Netanyahu Hardens Stance on Ceasefire as Families of Hostages Demand Action
TEL AVIV — Nearly a week after Hamas accepted the latest ceasefire plan brokered by Qatar and Egypt, Israel has yet to answer. Instead, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shifting strategy — insisting on an “all or nothing” deal that would both secure the release of every hostage and end the war on Israel’s terms.
The silence has confounded mediators and outraged families of those still held in Gaza. Many accuse the prime minister of abandoning their loved ones.
“We have been betrayed,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains captive. Speaking at a protest outside Netanyahu’s residence, she warned: “You are setting unattainable conditions. You will sentence Matan to death.”
For 18 months, Israel agreed only to phased ceasefires — partial pauses in fighting in exchange for limited hostage releases. But last week, Netanyahu declared that negotiations would now focus solely on a comprehensive deal. At the same time, he pressed forward with plans for a major assault on Gaza City, signalling that Israel will fight and negotiate in parallel.
Washington’s Influence
The shift appears tied not just to Jerusalem, but to Washington. President Donald Trump has openly backed Israel’s new offensive, repeating Netanyahu’s line that Hamas must be destroyed.
“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success.”
Israeli officials say Trump lost faith in partial deals after talks in Qatar broke down in July. Shortly after, Netanyahu hardened his position. Hamas, however, insists it has shown flexibility. “The movement has presented everything necessary to reach a ceasefire agreement,” said Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official.
A Divided Strategy
Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images
Israel’s security cabinet has now set five conditions to end the war: the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages, demilitarisation of Gaza, continued Israeli security control, and the creation of a new administration not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas has rejected outright any demand to disarm. Analysts say Netanyahu knows this, and is playing for time. “He is fully aware Hamas will never accept his conditions,” said Chaim Levinson, a diplomatic commentator for Haaretz. “That is precisely his point.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s far-right allies have pressed him to expand the war. They warn that any deal resembling a ceasefire could collapse his coalition.
Public Anger Mounts
Hostage families, however, have grown increasingly vocal. Over the past week, thousands have taken to the streets, accusing the government of sacrificing their relatives to political survival.
Despite mounting criticism, Netanyahu’s office insists negotiations will begin as soon as a location is agreed. Until then, the prime minister continues to walk a tightrope: speaking of peace while preparing for war.
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