Likud MK David Amsalem: "If Hamas wanted a deal, there would be one"

Likud MK David Amsalem interviewed today (Monday) for Army Radio, where he said that he "doesn't understand" what the protestors for the release of the hostages want, since the success of a deal is entirely up to Hamas.

In the interview, Amsalem said that "the ones who control the event are Hamas. Hamas has been playing with us from almost the first day. And therefore, if it wanted a deal, we'd have a deal a long time ago."

He then addressed the protestors for the hostage release: "I can't even understand their argument...is there anyone who doesn't want the release of the hostages now and yesterday?"

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently gave an interview where he said that the ultimate blame for the impasse in hostage negotiations lies with Hamas, who have consistently refused numerous proposals not only by Israel but also the United States.