Ex-Shin Bet official: ‘We’re not applying enough force’ to bring hostages home

For Amrusi, any serious attempt to free the hostages must be based on force, not hope.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

As diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas reach a standstill, former senior Shin Bet official Yossi Amrusi is calling for a dramatic overhaul of Israel’s approach.

In a recent interview with Maariv, Amrusi sharply criticized the government’s current strategy and laid out a two-pronged plan he believes is the only viable path to bringing the hostages home.

“Israel must stop signaling that it’s willing to keep playing this same game,” said Amrusi, warning that continued negotiation under the current terms only serves Hamas’s interests.

“Dragging out the talks works for them. They know that every passing day brings more international pressure on Israel—whether it’s the false narrative of starvation, political shifts abroad, or growing domestic discontent.”

Amrusi also questioned the influence and effectiveness of the Qatari mediators, suggesting they may lack real access to Hamas’s decision-makers.

“It’s unclear whether anyone in Gaza truly controls the hostage situation,” he said. “Some of the hostages may not even be in the hands of Hamas anymore.”

For Amrusi, any serious attempt to free the hostages must be based on force, not hope.

“Hamas will only release the hostages if they are compelled to. But we’re not applying the necessary pressure. Our military options are limited, and we’re propping Hamas up by continuing to allow humanitarian aid—fuel, supplies, even money—into Gaza.”

He accused the Israeli government of failing to act decisively, citing political hesitation and fear of international backlash.

“We’re not establishing humanitarian zones; we’re not opening immigration channels for Gazans who want out. We don’t know how to win.”

Amrusi outlined a dual strategy: Israel must first end its current negotiating posture and instead exert both military and psychological pressure on Hamas.

“Only a parallel effort—tightening the noose on the battlefield while showing we’re prepared to walk away from the table—has any chance of success,” he concluded. “This is the only way the hostages will come home.”