Dim Amor

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a clear and precise statement on social media on September 13, 2025, in which he pointed to the main obstacle to realizing a hostage release agreement and ending the war. His statement sparked reactions from political figures in the opposition, but these are not members of the security cabinet and have no access to the classified information required to understand the real situation.

In a post on X network, Netanyahu clarified: "Hamas leaders sitting in Qatar pay no attention to the fate of Gaza residents. They block any attempt at a ceasefire in order to continue dragging the war on endlessly. Their removal will eliminate the main obstacle to releasing all the hostages and ending the war".

The post received broad public support, with about 24,000 hearts, 4,100 shares and about 6,000 comments on X network, and similar numbers on Facebook.

MK Ahmad Tibi reacted sharply to the post, accusing the Prime Minister of "sabotaging negotiations on the deal" and claiming he "sacrifices the hostages for coalition considerations".

However, it should be emphasized that MK Tibi is not among the security cabinet members, and therefore has no access to sensitive information concerning the secret and complex contacts for hostage release. His claims are not based on an authoritative source or real evidence, and appear more like political accusations lacking substantial foundation.

Tibi's post generated only limited resonance – 62 "likes" and five comments – a figure indicating limited public support for his position.

Yair Golan, former Deputy Chief of Staff and chairman of the Democrats party, published a sharp response in which he claimed: "Netanyahu admits in English that the attack in Qatar failed. A decision he made despite opposition from the Mossad chief and Chief of Staff while brutally endangering the hostages. Someone whose office was flooded with Qatari money during wartime has no legitimacy to make security decisions". Golan added other serious accusations and demanded Netanyahu's removal from power.

Golan too, despite his military background, is not a member of the current security cabinet and doesn't even serve as a minister in the government; therefore, he has no access to classified security information concerning current operations. His claims about opposition from senior security establishment figures are not based on documented or verified information available to him.

The accusations about "Qatari money" are indeed serious, but in the absence of presenting solid evidence they may be considered mere political slander.

Golan's statements amount, therefore, to fantasy or personal opinion expression only, not to determinations based on proven facts.

Yair Lapid, opposition leader and chairman of Yesh Atid party, responded to Israel's attack in Qatar with words that sound as if he's Egypt's official spokesman. Lapid claimed: "The report about Egypt's proposal to establish a joint Arab force against Israeli attacks is serious damage to peace agreements, coming immediately after serious damage to the Abraham Accords". He accused the government of destroying Israel's international standing and demanded its replacement.

Lapid, despite his experience as former Prime Minister, is not Egypt's representative or official spokesman, and has no mandate to interpret its positions or announce its decisions. His claims are based on reports and not on official information from authoritative Egyptian or Israeli sources.

Lapid failed during his term as Prime Minister, and the economy deteriorated under his leadership. In contrast, under Netanyahu's government the economy is in an upward trend, despite the difficult war. Elections will be held soon, and then it will become clear to what extent the political path of "genius" Lapid will earn public trust.

Israel's leadership under Netanyahu faces complex security challenges requiring difficult and precise decisions. These decisions are made based on classified security information and strategic considerations that are not available to the general public or opposition. Netanyahu, as Prime Minister serving in this position for an extended period, has accumulated extensive experience in dealing with complex security crises.

Activity for hostage release is conducted through multiple and complex channels, including diplomatic contacts, security pressure and strategic maneuvers. Hamas leaders, located in Qatar, indeed constitute a main obstacle to achieving an agreement, as Netanyahu noted in his post. They enjoy protected status in a country that supports them and exploit this to continue refusing hostage release proposals.

Opposition criticism, despite being a legitimate part of Israeli democracy, must be based on facts and not on assumptions or partial information. When dealing with a sensitive issue like hostage release, it's important that criticism be responsible and based on full understanding of the situation.

Netanyahu continued managing the war while maintaining clear principles: returning all hostages, eliminating Hamas as a terror organization and preventing recurrence of threats to Israel from the Gaza Strip. These goals receive broad support among the Israeli public, as evidenced by the number of likes and shares of the Prime Minister's post.

The international situation is indeed complex, but Israel operates while maintaining its right to self-defense and efforts to achieve its security objectives. The government faces international pressures while preserving vital Israeli security interests.

The difference between political criticism from outside the cabinet and actual decision-making is significant. Those outside decision-making circles are not exposed to the full information, complex dilemmas and security considerations guiding decision-makers. This is one reason why democratic countries have internal control mechanisms in government and not just external criticism.

It is Israel's duty to defend itself, world Jewry and its citizens of every nationality and religion. Any threat will be met with a strong hand, and the Prime Minister acts to fulfill this duty. Indeed, there are currently disagreements regarding the manner of conducting the campaign, but the international community should focus on the war in Ukraine and crimes attributed to Putin, not on Israel, which acts responsibly and in good faith.

The importance of Israeli democracy requires maintaining balance between the need for public criticism and understanding that those not involved in decision-making processes cannot grasp their full complexity. Prime Minister Netanyahu's post provides the public with vital clarification regarding the identity of the real obstacle to solving the crisis: Hamas leadership entrenched in Qatar, preventing removal of suffering from Gaza residents and release of Israeli hostages.

Photo of Golan from his official Facebook page, and photos of MKs Tibi and Lapid from the Knesset website – use in accordance with Section 27a of the Copyright Law