

REPLAY: Lessons learned from the hostage deal - with Haviv Rettig Gur
Dec 27, 2024
Haviv Rettig Gur, an expert in Israeli politics and security, shares deep insights during this reflective conversation. He discusses the emotional impact of hostage negotiations, emphasizing the human stories behind the statistics. Gur analyzes Israel's evolving strategies in dealing with Hamas and highlights the moral dilemmas facing military operations. The discussion touches on the unprecedented political consensus in Israel regarding the war effort, revealing complex dynamics that shape both society and security.
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Personal Connection to Hostage Crisis
- Haviv Rettig Gur's wife volunteered to help the Haran family, whose children were hostages in Gaza.
- This personal connection made the hostage situation deeply impactful for his family.
Military Pressure Effective
- The release of some hostages brought relief, but Israelis understand Hamas's desperation.
- Military pressure, not concessions, secured their release.
Gallant's Strategy
- Defense Minister Gallant rejected early hostage release offers, predicting more releases after military action.
- He believed Hamas was exploiting Israel's sensitivity to hostages.