The leader of the opposition, Benny Gantz, spoke on Friday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding efforts to return the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
Gantz emphasized to Prime Minister Netanyahu that the opposition will fully support any plan aimed at bringing back the hostages.
"Prime Minister [Netanyahu,] eight months ago we made a courageous and painful decision together, with costs and risks. We brought back over 100 captives to their families and loved ones, giving relief to Israeli citizens," said Gantz.
"True, we face a cruel enemy. Not everything depends on you, but you must demonstrate commitment, determination, and honesty of intentions, even when the costs are heavy. You know, like me, that since the last operation, we have lost many hostages who died in captivity. This is not the time for ego games with the Defense Minister - hostages have no time to spare."
Navigating ceasefire talks amid hostage negotiations
Gantz continued to say, "If you make the right decision and bring a plan, [then] you will have full support from my colleagues and me. More importantly; you will have broad national support from the people. This is the right strategic decision. It's the Jewish thing to do."Earlier this week the Mossad confirmed that the intermediaries in the hostage deal conveyed Hamas's response to the team discussing a possibly hostages return and ceasefire deal. "Israel is examining the response and will reply through the intermediaries," it was reported.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the dispatch of the negotiation team on the hostage issue following preliminary discussions and Hamas's response to the American proposal.
A diplomatic source this week stated, "The Prime Minister reiterated that the war will only end after achieving all its objectives and not a moment before." The White House welcomed Netanyahu's decision to send the negotiation team to Doha to "advance the ceasefire in the Strip."