Netanyahu: Israel Will Not Pay Any Price for Hostage Release from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich affirmed today, Tuesday, that "Israel will not pay any price for the release of hostages held in Gaza amid ongoing negotiations to secure their freedom." In response to a question about the 134 hostages still in Gaza, Smotrich told Israeli public broadcaster "Kan Radio" that their return is "very important but they cannot be released at any price." He indicated that "the way to secure their release is to intensify military pressure on Gaza and defeat the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement "Hamas," which governs the besieged territory." His statements drew criticism from opposition leader Yair Lapid and Minister Benny Gantz, as well as anger from some families of the hostages who are pressing the government to reach an agreement. Shortly after the interview aired, Netanyahu's office released a statement reiterating Smotrich's stance. Netanyahu stated, "There is intense pressure on Israel from within and abroad to stop the war before we achieve all our goals, including an agreement for the release of the hostages at any cost... We are not willing to pay any price, and certainly not the fictitious cost that Hamas demands of us, which would mean defeat for the State of Israel." These comments come as the United States plans to send its Middle East envoy to the region to continue discussions among the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar, which are mediating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.