Israel’s Far-Right Minister Takes Credit for Hostage Release—Despite Opposition to Earlier Deals
A Minister’s Contradictory Claim Sparks Outrage
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared victory Monday for securing the release of the final remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza—despite his own public and private opposition to prisoner swap deals throughout the war. His assertion, dismissed by former hostage Noa Argamani as “gaslighting propaganda,” laid bare the deep political fractures over how Israel handled the crisis.
Ben-Gvir, whose hardline stance has included blocking earlier release agreements, told reporters in Jerusalem that “the hostages’ return is thanks to me.” The claim came hours after Israel confirmed the last group of captives had been freed in a deal brokered with Qatar and Egypt, bringing the total number of released hostages to 105 since Hamas’s October 7 attack.
Yet Israeli media reported last month that Ben-Gvir had privately opposed multiple ceasefire and hostage exchange proposals, including a November plan that could have secured earlier releases. His office did not respond to requests for clarification.
Diplomatic Marathon Ends in a Fragile Breakthrough
The final deal emerged after weeks of stalled negotiations, during which Hamas demanded a permanent ceasefire and the lifting of Gaza’s blockade—terms Israel has repeatedly rejected. Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed its role in facilitating talks, while Egypt’s state news agency cited “regional coordination” as key to the breakthrough.
Diplomatic sources in Doha and Cairo described the final days as “frantic,” with Israel insisting on a phased approach to avoid further Hamas attacks. Qatar’s foreign ministry stated that the deal included “humanitarian guarantees” for Gaza, though details remain classified. The U.S. State Department, which mediated earlier talks, declined to comment on specific roles but reaffirmed support for “all diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages’ release.”
Israel’s government has not publicly attributed the deal’s success to any single official, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged “intensive diplomatic efforts.”
Former Hostage Calls Out “Blatant Propaganda”
Noa Argamani, freed in a previous exchange, rejected Ben-Gvir’s claim in an interview with *Haaretz*, calling it “a blatant attempt to rewrite history.”
“The minister’s words are pure propaganda,” she said. “The hostages’ return is the result of relentless pressure from families, international mediators, and the sheer will of those still held captive.”
Her remarks reflect broader skepticism among hostage families and rights groups, who have criticized Israel’s handling of negotiations as overly cautious. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned what it called “political posturing,” stating: “The hostages’ return is not a political victory—it’s a humanitarian obligation.”
Opposition Accuses Government of Wasting Time
The political fallout is already reshaping domestic debates. Opposition leader Benny Gantz of the National Unity Party accused Netanyahu’s government of “wasting time” on internal divisions while hostages remained in captivity.
“The hostages’ return should have been a priority from day one,” Gantz told reporters. “Instead, we saw infighting and delays.”
Meanwhile, Ben-Gvir’s Religious Zionist faction framed the releases as a victory for its hardline policies—despite internal government records showing his resistance to earlier deals.
130 Still Held as Next Phase Begins
The release leaves approximately 130 individuals still in Hamas captivity, according to Israel’s military. The next phase hinges on whether Israel will accept a ceasefire linked to further releases—a demand Hamas has tied to broader concessions, including Gaza’s reopening and prisoner swaps for Palestinian detainees.
Netanyahu’s office has not confirmed whether such discussions are underway, though regional mediators continue to engage with both sides. Hamas has insisted on a “comprehensive deal,” while Israel has signaled it will not link further exchanges to a permanent ceasefire.
Former captives, including Argamani, have called for greater transparency in future negotiations to prevent further delays. The question now is whether diplomatic momentum can be sustained—or if internal divisions will once again stall progress.
