One or two year-long ceasefire needed to return captives: Gantz
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Benny Gantz made the comments during numerous interviews with Israeli channels since leaving office.
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Benny Gantz announces his resignation in a statement on June 9, 2024. (AP)
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz stated in an interview with Israeli Channel 12 on Thursday that "Israel" should pay the price for a "year or two-year-long" truce in Gaza in exchange for the release of all captives held by Hamas.
Such comments indicate that Gantz, who is described by media as the USA's man in "Israel", is also against a permanent ceasefire, and only wants a breathing space.
Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz announced Sunday in a televised address his resignation from the Israeli war cabinet, calling it a painful decision.
"Leaving the government is a complex and painful decision," he said. However, he rescinded his sorrow by underlining that the Israeli regime was dealing hesitantly with existential issues based on the political interests of a few.
Gantz also acknowledged the failure to secure the release of Israeli captives from Gaza. He emphasized that "true victory prioritizes the return of hostages over political considerations."
Highlighting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's role in obstructing "a genuine victory", Gantz admitted that "there will be no quick and easy victory," and warned that "the war will continue for years."
Speaking after resigning from the war cabinet on Sunday, he expressed that the occupation should "do whatever it takes" to bring the captives back.
These comments follow Gantz's talks with KAN, Channel 12, Channel 13, and Channel 14.
Before Gantz's interview, the Likud party criticized him for "sitting in TV studios tonight instead of in the cabinet," which it claimed is doing "everything" to retrieve captives and "eliminate Hamas."
Gantz's National Unity Party replied to the Likud's words criticizing Netanyahu for his lack of "strategic decisions" that would return captives, return northern settlers, and eliminate Hamas.
"Discussions do not win - only actions," Gantz's party stated.
Meanwhile, Bezalel Smotrich attributed Gantz's comments with "surrender" to Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and accused him of "moral and national bankruptcy."
Netanyahu is a champion at evading blame: Israeli media
In an article for Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Gilad Sharon, son of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, expressed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's perceived weakness and cowardice fail to deter anyone.
He further asserted that the ongoing process to recover Israeli captives from the Gaza Strip, particularly those held by the Resistance in the Nuseirat camp, central Gaza, would not significantly alter the overall situation, especially given the eight months that have passed since October 7.
Sharon also criticized Netanyahu and the members of the mini-ministerial council for retaining their positions, along with the heads of the military and security establishment, accusing them of neglecting their duties. He argued that their failure to fulfill responsibilities undermines the military establishment.
He emphasized that in an Olympic Games event for "evading responsibility," the military and security establishment would sweep all the medals. Sharon singled out Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the mini-ministerial council, who denies accountability for negligence and failure despite holding the position of minister of Finance.
Sharon strongly criticized Netanyahu, calling him an expert at avoiding blame. He said Netanyahu doesn't take responsibility for any failures and questioned who is to blame for Hezbollah's actions and neglecting the northern region. Sharon concluded that nobody fears Netanyahu's weak leadership.
Israeli media recently shared statements from former Israeli officials discussing "Israel's" vulnerabilities which were exposed during the war on Gaza and with Hezbollah in the North. These officials emphasized that "Israel" cannot secure a conclusive victory.
