Dim Amor

It should be noted that during the Lapid-Bennett government period, the same opposition activists who now speak out against Prime Minister Netanyahu themselves made serious mistakes in their handling of Hamas – and at times errors even more severe than those of the current government.

Nevertheless, it is interesting to hear what the left-wing camp claims – as follows in this article:

The morning after the announcement of the hostage agreement brought a wave of reactions from the Israeli political arena, with leading figures across the political map addressing the historic event that led to a ceasefire and the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip. The reactions reflect the internal tensions in Israeli society and the different guiding principles regarding the future of the conflict.

Merav Michaeli, former chairwoman of the Labor Party, posted a message on social network X in which she described the moment as "the morning we have longed for over two years". Michaeli attributed the achievement first and foremost to U.S. President Donald Trump, who, according to her, forced the sides to end the war and return the hostages. At the same time, she expressed gratitude to the protesters who for two years came in rain and heat every week to call for the release of the hostages and the cessation of the war, to the fighters and their families, and to Major General Nitzan Alon and his team who kept the hostage issue at the forefront throughout the entire period.

In her remarks, Michaeli expressed satisfaction that what she called the messianic delusions about settling in Gaza had crashed into reality. She called on President Trump to continue and lead toward what she termed an absolute victory, including separation from the Palestinians and a regional agreement with all countries in the region, in the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative. Michaeli concluded with blessings to the families and a call to begin the day after in the State of Israel.

Yair Lapid, opposition leader and chairman of the Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party, chose a different approach in his response. Lapid opened with congratulations to President Trump, declaring that no person deserves the Nobel Peace Prize and the eternal gratitude of the people of Israel more than he does. He continued to congratulate the American administration team, including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, and Tony Blair. Lapid did not omit Prime Minister Netanyahu from his remarks, congratulating him along with IDF commanders and soldiers, but he reserved his main praise for the families of the hostages, whom he described as "lions and lionesses who did not let the world forget even for a moment". Lapid concluded by noting that in two difficult years, this is a moment of great light in the darkness.

Yair Golan, former Deputy Chief of Staff and chairman of the Democrats party, joined the chorus with a response that emphasized the pain and struggle of the past two years. Golan opened with great thanks to President Trump who brought about the agreement and the end of the war, and then gave central place to the families who, according to him, never gave up for a moment, fought in Israel and around the world, and without whose determination this would not have happened. Golan expressed gratitude to the male and female soldiers who fought, stormed, were wounded, and sacrificed body and soul and made this moment possible, and to the masses of Israelis who took to the streets and showed solidarity and human brotherhood. He concluded with a call to continue with full strength to ensure that the hostages indeed return, and then to begin the work of repairing Israel, rebuilding a strong, democratic, and just Israel.

Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi brought a different perspective in his response. Tibi declared that this war must be the last and that this is possible. He called to free both peoples from the yoke of occupation and siege after all the blood, destruction, and pain, arguing that only freedom, justice, and equality for both peoples will produce real peace that brings security. Tibi supported an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel as a solution.

In his remarks, Tibi did not spare criticism of President Trump. According to him, Trump, who armed the war, prolonged it, and vetoed every proposal for a ceasefire in the Security Council, ultimately brought it to an end. Tibi expressed hope that this will be forever, with a humane reference to mothers who will embrace their children again with tears in their eyes and to mothers with tears in their eyes who will not embrace their children again. In conclusion, he warned against what he called government lunatics who, in their disappointment with the results of the deal, might ignite the West Bank to satisfy their messianic delusions. Tibi concluded that ending the war is an important step in the right direction.

Hamas cannot be trusted; in my opinion, many more surprises are expected. But perhaps this time there truly is real change on the horizon.

The diverse reactions reflect the complexity of the historic moment: on one hand – genuine joy over the return of the hostages and appreciation for the international and security efforts; on the other hand – growing calls for rethinking and long-term policy solutions. The differences in emphases express deep gaps in perceptions of the future, but a common thread runs through all of them – recognition of the historic power of the moment and the tremendous contribution of the hostage families and protesters who did not relent for long months.

The big question that remains open is whether this is a real turning point in the conflict, or just another temporary lull in the cycle of violence. While some speakers see in this move a rare opportunity for profound change in regional reality, others warn against a quick return to the old routine – and perhaps even a renewed deterioration.

Time, as usual, will determine which of the predictions will come true.

Photo from the Knesset website – in accordance with the provisions of Section 27a of the Copyright Law