Former Mossad Chief: Don't be in such a hurry to accept the Hostage Deal

People attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, at Central Park in New York City, on January 12, 2025 (Photo by Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90)

Rami Igra, who previously headed the Mossad's Captives and Missing Persons Division, expressed serious concerns about the emerging hostage agreement with Hamas, warning it could undermine Israel's core war objectives.

"Looking at the bigger picture, either Israel abandons its goal of dismantling Hamas's rule, or Hamas gives up its control of Gaza," Igra said in an interview with 103FM. He suggested the current push for a deal is largely driven by political considerations regarding former President Trump.

Igra pointed to Hamas's unchanged demands: a complete cessation of hostilities, full IDF withdrawal from Gaza, and rehabilitation of the Strip. "Can Israel accept a deal under these conditions? I'm not sure," he said, noting that the current framework appears to focus primarily on five American hostages.

The former intelligence official drew parallels to pre-October 7 complacency. "We lived in a lie on October 6th," he said. "I naively thought after October 7th we understood that self-deception comes at a price."

Addressing Hamas's position, Igra emphasized the group's resilience: "Hamas isn't fazed by Trump. They're strengthening their hold and maintaining firm control over Gaza. As time passes, pressure on Israel will only increase. From Hamas's perspective, nothing less than total victory is acceptable."

Igra argued that while alternatives are limited, massive military action to replace Hamas's governance in Gaza remains an option. He criticized Netanyahu's government for its inability to engage with the concept of a Palestinian state, suggesting this limitation is pushing Israel toward a problematic deal that "won't return all our hostages."

"The families opposing this agreement are right," Igra concluded. He advocated for a different approach: establishing alternative governance in Gaza that could bring in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. "Anyone who thinks Saudi normalization is possible without addressing Palestinian statehood understands neither Saudi Arabia nor the Americans."

Walla! contributed to this article.