Likud Minister Amichai Chikli presented his own views today (Thursday) regarding the controversial hostage deal, set to be approved tomorrow by the Israeli cabinet.
First, he noted Israel's achievements in the war: "Hamas's senior leadership has suffered severe blows with the elimination of Sinwar, Deif, Haniyeh, and other senior officials; thousands of terrorists have been eliminated by IDF forces, and Hamas has lost most of its assets and military capabilities. This is not the organization that was here on 6/10. I am proud of the IDF soldiers in regular service, career service, and reserves for their achievements so far."
Then he noted the Israeli government's mistake in handling humanitarian aid: "However, it must be honestly said: largely due to the ongoing supplies Hamas received (under immense pressure from the Biden administration), which went far beyond humanitarian needs, Hamas managed to greatly extend the duration of the fighting, maintain firm control over the Gaza population, and preserve some of its military capabilities. The mission is not complete."
Regarding the deal itself, Chikli said that "we have a supreme commitment to fight for the return of every hostage, every citizen, and every soldier, alive or deceased."
He also noted the no less important goal of the war - to end it on more favorable terms: "The most important element of the deal is Israel's refusal to commit to ending the war. Equally important: Hamas is not getting its demand for a complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza. The IDF will continue to hold the Philadelphia Corridor (five posts and patrols along the entire route), as well as the perimeter along Gaza's entire border."
Chikli noted that, "so far, the government has maintained its commitment to the war's objectives even when questions arose, such as in the previous deal, the issue of entering Rafah, or ground operations in Lebanon. I am certain this will continue to be the case."
The minister also laid down his own red line regarding the deal: "I commit here that if there is, God forbid, a withdrawal from the Philadelphia Corridor (before achieving the war's objectives), or if we do not return to fighting to complete the war's objectives - I will resign from my position as minister in the government."
He also promised that "as with the previous vote (on a deal), I will make my final decision only after all details of the deal are presented."
On the question of IDF redeployment, he said that this was bad but reversible: "Our significant and painful concession is giving up control of the Netzarim Corridor, meaning Gazans will be able to move to northern Gaza. Will this concession make it harder to resume fighting? The answer is yes. Will it prevent us from resuming fighting? The answer is no."
The Diaspora minister then noted that most of those being released were not hardened terrorists but rather smaller operatives: "The vast majority of those released are junior operatives arrested in Gaza (requiring investigation). Additionally, there are several hundred involved in terrorism, including about 150 terrorists sentenced to life imprisonment. Those involved in dispatching, executing, or preparing weapons for attacks will be deported and not allowed to return to the West Bank. This is a heavy price involving risk - this fact shouldn't be obscured."
Chikli also took care to allay fears that Trump was turning on Israel: "I listened carefully last night to Mike Waltz, President Trump's incoming National Security Advisor, a true friend of Israel, who said in a Fox News interview that the incoming administration supports Israel's right to continue the war as needed, and that it's important to ensure Hamas no longer rules Gaza. The designated Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said this week in his confirmation hearing that he supports Israel's right "to destroy Hamas and eliminate it to the last man." This policy is completely opposite to that of the outgoing administration.
"In conclusion, the last word hasn't been said, and like in a marathon - it's the one that will determine. Israel has backing from the incoming administration, which will undoubtedly be the most pro-Israel ever."
He ended by saying that "To fully complete the war's objectives, we need a refresh of leadership in the General Staff. A different spirit is needed - offensive and determined, one that strives for decisive victory and enemy destruction. We have such commanders at the division commander level, and they need to take the lead."
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