Netanyahu Affirms Support for Hostage Deal at Cabinet Meeting

By Yoni Weiss

At the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s support for the hostage release deal presented by President Joe Biden on May 31.

“Today everyone knows a simple truth,” Netanyahu declared. “Hamas is the only obstacle to the release of our hostages.”

On Motzoei Shabbos, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement reiterating Israel’s commitment to the May 31 terms after reports suggested that the U.S. might be modifying some terms in an effort to finalize the deal.

Netanyahu argued that “a combination of political and military pressure — above all, military pressure” will ensure the return of all 120 hostages in Gaza.

“To anyone who doubts the achievement of these goals, I repeat: There is no substitute for victory. Our warriors did not fall in vain. We will not end the war until we achieve all our goals.”