Benjamin Netanyahu: Keep quiet about the hostage negotiations so they can succeed

At the end of his video statement today (Sunday) regarding the strategic situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the less we talk about" the hostage negotiations "the better."

The Prime Minister has repeatedly tried to maintain a tight lid on details of the negotiations, arguing that any and all leaks are often not only false but create pressure on the government and allow Hamas to remain inflexible in its demands.

As part of his effort to keep things secret, the Prime Minister's Office even requested that the censorship office crack down on leaks of cabinet members and their staff, as well as senior security officials. The censorship office would not comment on the matter.

Netanyahu has also insisted on passing a law making all cabinet members take a polygraph test in the event of leaks, but this has never come close to passing the Knesset.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the support of President-elect Donald Trump in helping ensure the release of the hostages on terms favorable to Israel.