Gantz: 'Current hostage deal has been stalled by political considerations for over two months'

Gantz accuses Netanyahu of political maneuvering concerning hostage deal, claims finished deal in place for over two months.

Benny Gantz at speech resigning from Israeli government on June 9, 2024. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
Benny Gantz at speech resigning from Israeli government on June 9, 2024.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

In a statement given in the Knesset to Israeli media, and in light of Netanyahu's awaited Congressional speech, MK Benny Gantz called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop stalling the pending hostage deal, which has been contested and in progress for months. 

Gantz goes on to state that during the last two months, a quarter of the hostages have died, with this stalling being explicitly due to the Prime Minister's political interest.

Bibi, get on with it

Gantz urged Netanyahu in English to "put your money where your mouth is" regarding the hostage deal, promising full political support for the already approved deal.

In response to the statement, National Security Minister Ben-Gvir voiced his concern: "He [Gantz] has no idea of the strategic consequences of his words."

 Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on November 20, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on November 20, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

These comments are another example of the internal political turmoil revolving around how a hostage deal should be carried out in tandem with the permanent elimination of Hamas, two pinnacle goals of the current war in Gaza.