Izzat al-Rishq, one of the founders of Hamas and a member of the organization’s political bureau, referred to Galant’s comments made during a Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting. Galant criticized the idea of "total victory" and mocked it, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying: "It’s nonsense and drumming." Additionally, Galant commented on the delay in the prisoner exchange deal, stating: "The reason for the delay in the deal is, among other things, Israel."
Al-Rishq celebrated Galant’s remarks, viewing them as an admission of guilt and acceptance of Hamas’s and the Palestinians' claims: "Galant’s acknowledgment that 'Israel is the reason for the delay in the agreement to return the hostages and that the talk of total victory is complete nonsense' confirms what we have always said."
The senior Hamas official continued by pointing an accusatory finger at the Prime Minister in light of Galant’s statements: "Netanyahu is lying to the world and to the families of the prisoners... and does not want to reach an agreement."
These comments from the senior Hamas member follow a significant controversy caused by Galant’s remarks in Israel, where the Defense Minister faced criticism from many coalition members, including the Prime Minister.