The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 741 - Is Hamas playing games with remaining hostage bodies?
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Oct 16, 2025 Lazar Berman, a diplomatic correspondent for The Times of Israel, shares his insights on the complex situation in Gaza and Israel's political landscape. He probes whether Hamas is truly unable to locate the remaining hostage bodies or if they're playing a strategic game. Berman further discusses Israel's stance on the ongoing military threat against Hamas and the implications of Prime Minister Netanyahu's health issues on political maneuvering, especially amid his corruption trial.
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Hamas Could Be Withholding Bodies Deliberately
- Israel believes Hamas can locate more hostage bodies but is deliberately withholding them as leverage.
- Israel is increasing pressure by blocking reconstruction materials while still allowing medicine and baby food.
Keeping Military Threats Preserves Leverage
- Israel has not formally declared the war over and wants to keep military pressure on Hamas to enforce truce obligations.
- Removing the threat of force would reduce leverage and make disarmament less likely to succeed.
Disarmament Faces Huge Practical Hurdles
- Disarming Hamas poses practical problems like lack of inventory, verification, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Any effective disarmament will be complex and likely require Israel to retain the ability to strike if weapons reappear.