A former military secretary to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the Prime Minister deliberately avoided finalizing a deal to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza for political reasons. The claim, reported by Haaretz, suggests that strategic decisions regarding the hostage negotiations were influenced by internal political calculations rather than solely by security or humanitarian concerns.

This accusation arrives at a time of significant domestic tension in Israel, where families of hostages and various political factions have frequently criticized the government’s approach to the conflict. While the Prime Minister’s office has historically maintained that its negotiation strategy is designed to maximize the chances of a successful return while ensuring national security, this latest testimony challenges that narrative by suggesting that political survival played a primary role in the delay of potential agreements.

Because only one source provided reporting on this specific allegation, there is currently no counter-statement or alternative perspective from the Prime Minister's office included in this report. The claim highlights a growing divide between current government leadership and former officials regarding the prioritization of the hostage crisis within the broader context of the war in Gaza.