IDF chief says expanding operations in Gaza endanger hostages

There are currently 50 hostages in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive and some in grave condition.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, addressing Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday, warned that expanded military operations in Gaza would put the remaining hostages at risk, Channel 12 reported.

“There is serious abuse of the hostages, and their situation is grave,” Zamir said.

There are currently 50 hostages in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive and some in grave condition.

“I support defeating Hamas,” Zamir said, “but the more we deepen the operation now, the more we endanger the hostages.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took issue with Zamir’s statements and expressed vehement disapproval of halting military operations.

“You can do both – defeat Hamas and return the hostages,” Smotrich reportedly answered. “You are paving a decision for the political echelon.”

As pressure mounts from the White House to conclude the war in Gaza, Smotrich said there would be “no greater danger” than a ceasefire and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume “a decisive and rapid war aimed at crushing the enemy in Gaza and eliminating the threat it poses to Israel for years to come.”

Ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to the White House next week, US President Donald Trump declared that he will take a “firm stance” with the premier about ending the war in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters while touring a migrant detention center in Florida, Trump said he hopes to end the 21-month conflict “sometime next week.”

Last week, the president predicted that a hostage release and ceasefire deal would be reached this week.

Trump also told reporters that Netanyahu “wants to end the war.”

On Sunday, Trump put forward a proposal that would liberate all of the captives and send Hamas leaders into exile.

Despite Trump’s remarks, Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he intends to continue the war until Hamas is completely destroyed and Israel achieves “total victory” in Gaza.

Although not directly showing a changed stance, Netanyahu said earlier this week that his first priority is to return the hostages.

Speaking at a Shin Bet security agency facility on Sunday, he said, “As you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First and foremost, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also need to solve the Gaza issue and defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both missions.”