A short while ago, representatives of the families of the abducted met with the Prime Minister in his office, as reports of significant progress in the negotiations for the release of the hostages in Gaza came in the background. One of the representatives present at the meeting was Sharon Sharabi, the brother of Eli Sharabi, who was abducted on October 7 along with the late Yossi Sharabi, whose body is held by Hamas.
In a conversation with Srugim, Sharabi notes that the State of Israel is currently in critical hours: "The decision-makers are making giant strides towards the implementation of the first phase of the deal. We want to see this happen after 15 and a half months, and we must not let this opportunity slip through our fingers again. There are peak moments of seriousness in making a deal, and we must seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
What did Netanyahu tell you?
"Netanyahu says these are critical hours for him, he is negotiating for all the hostages, not just those who will be released in the first phase of the deal. However, Netanyahu said that the next phases, the second and third in the deal, the details have not yet been finalized, they will do it on the 16th day of the first phase's implementation," Sharon says.
Sharabi admits that he is worried that negotiations for the next stages should have already started and not waited: "Every moment is critical for our hostages who are languishing in Hamas tunnels, the focus should be solely on them to bring them out. I know the Prime Minister is currently dealing only with this issue and he needs to implement it as quickly and effectively as possible for the State of Israel."
Do you think it would have been possible to achieve something better with the existing framework?
"The optimism that we will get everyone in one deal and in one go, but that's not the case," Sharon explains and adds: "Unfortunately, we are facing a bitter and cruel enemy, so the reality of this time requires us to adopt a method of bringing them in stages, but the framework must be complete; the stages must not be disconnected."
According to him: "They need to be intertwined so that all the hostages get out of there, that no one is left behind. That's where we are directing all our energies and efforts to see everyone at home."
Yesterday it was said that Israel will not leave Gaza until the last hostage is released, is this a pressure tactic?
"Hamas needs to know very clearly, until the last hostage is home, the IDF will not withdraw from the Strip and the war will not end until we bring everyone home. In this clear statement, there is great hope that we will see everyone home. I believe that the other side needs to cultivate for itself in the Strip a future that was justly destroyed by those who brought terror and slaughter upon us on October 7th."
"Netanyahu said that no political considerations would be taken into account."
Ben Gvir and Smotrich expressed opposition to the deal. To what extent is Netanyahu distancing himself politically, as he might ultimately lose the government?
"It is forbidden to introduce any political considerations into this issue, and with all due respect, Knesset members and senior ministers, I suggest that at this time you show leadership and responsibility. We are in critical hours. Political games regarding the question of human life must not weigh on the very clear balance."
He further added: "There is no one who doesn't want to bring back the hostages. It's true that the prices are heavy, but the prices we paid on October 7th and those that will be paid if we don't bring them back. Therefore, Ben Gvir and Smotrich understand that there won't be a better government for them, they also understand this, so the empty threats are not what should lead Netanyahu's policy in the hostage deal."
"The Prime Minister will strengthen his position and the days of his coalition."
Did Netanyahu address the political pressure being exerted on him by Smotrich and Ben Gvir?
"I said clearly that all coalition considerations on Netanyahu's desk should be on a clean table and should not weigh in on his decision-making and efforts to free all the hostages. I am sure that Netanyahu has the wisdom and judgment to act in this manner and is determined to return all the hostages."
In conclusion, Sharabi estimates that signing a deal will strengthen the Prime Minister's position and the days of the current coalition. "Netanyahu said that no political considerations would enter into the issue of the captives, and I tend to believe him."
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