Hamas’s recent murder of six hostages has thrown Israel into crisis, with broad elements of society condemning Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a deal that could have freed them.
Among those joining in the criticism is Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Netanyahu’s own Likud party, who reflects the views of many senior military officers that Netanyahu’s insistence on retaining control of the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt, the dealbreaker, was unnecessary.
Gallant insists that the army would be able to reassert authority over the corridor after the six-week pause in fighting envisioned by the hostage deal to prevent large-scale weapons smuggling.
He is urging that a deal be consummated now to prevent further hostage deaths. Netanyahu counters that to accede to Hamas demands now would amount to rewarding it for the murder of the six hostages.
Critics of the prime minister charge that he is clinging to his position on the corridor only to preserve his political leadership. Rightists in his government, including Security Minister Itamar ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to bolt if he abandons control of it, even briefly.
The bodies of the hostages were found Sunday. They had been murdered two or three days before as the army approached the location at which they were held.
Large numbers of protesters have marched in the cities in recent days and Histadrut, Israel’s large labor confederation, staged a general strike yesterday that ended after the courts declared it illegal.
Netanyahu can fire Gallant but appears reluctant to do so for fear of provoking even larger protests.
Personnel in Israel should remain south of Haifa and north of Ashdod and stay close to bomb shelters.
Visitors already to the country should ascertain the location of bomb shelters when checking into hotels.
Personnel throughout Israel should follow serious security precautions. See the country summary for recommendations.
Protests should be avoided.
