Lapid: If I Were in Netanyahu's Place, I Would Postpone the Attack on Rafah

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating that it wanted to "sabotage the deal" that could have been reached with Hamas. Lapid stated in a comment reported by the Israeli army radio: "If I were Prime Minister, I would postpone the military operation in Rafah for at least 48 hours," questioning, "If he waited for months, why now, unless it is to sabotage the deal?" He emphasized that "this government must understand that the hostages are its responsibility. I do not believe this government has turned over every possible stone to return the hostages," pointing out that "yesterday, following Hamas's reaction, the officials in the cabinet made three contradictory statements." Hamas announced yesterday evening that it had informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators of its approval of their proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the war council unanimously decided to continue the military operation in Rafah to pressure Hamas.