Zionist groups’ responses to Netanyahu’s obstruction in carrying out the second phase of the prisoner exchange.
According to the Palestinian Information Center, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to delay implementing the second phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement and halting humanitarian aid to Gaza, domestic criticism in the occupied territories has intensified. Former officials and opposition party leaders accused Netanyahu of deceit, lack of planning, and prioritizing personal political interests over collective interests.
In this regard, former Meretz party leader Zahava Galeon said: Netanyahu has decided to sacrifice the lives of 24 Israeli prisoners who are believed to be still alive. This is the true meaning of his decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza. He is only seeking to ignite war to maintain his alliance with Smotrich.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak also emphasized that Netanyahu is deceiving the Americans and exploiting the Ukraine conflict. All his actions are only to maintain the power of his cabinet, nothing more.
Yair Lapid, the leader of the Zionist opposition, also stated: The prisoner exchange agreement has been stopped. Aid to Gaza has been stopped. The government has mobilized 400,000 reservists. But what is the goal? Has the cabinet decided to leave the prisoners alone? If so, why? What more important goal is there?
He continued: If we return to war, what is the goal of the war? Who will ultimately replace Hamas? This government is once again moving without a plan, without a vision, and only with the hope that everything will be fine. This is the limit of their planning ability.