Israel at War, Day 102: Terror Hits Central City of Ra’anana, Government Disagrees on Hostage Release Method
“If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed. Without military pressure, no one will negotiate with us,” the defense minister said
Dan Arkin
| 16/01/2024
Aftermath of the terror attack in Ra’anana, yesterday. Photo by Gili Yaari/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect
A public appearance by Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant last night revealed disagreements within the government, as public pressure on the government intensifies to prioritize the release of the hostages as the primary goal of the war and to dedicate maximum efforts to achieve it.
The Minister of Defense stated yesterday that 2024 will be a year of war and victory, but also warned that a lack of political progress could hinder military advancement. He called on Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz, saying, "This is a time for unity, partnership, and compromise in order to achieve the goals of the war."
Yet, Gallant emphasized, "The enemy understands only strength. Only eradicating the capabilities of Hamas can lead to the release of the hostages. If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed. Without military pressure, no one will negotiate with us.”
Gallant’s remarks reflect the divisions within the cabinet, as the Prime Minister and Defense Minister continue to support the version that only military pressure will bring about the release of the hostages. Meanwhile, Ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot advocate focusing on efforts to release the hostages, even at the cost of a temporary cessation of fighting. Not a complete and prolonged ceasefire, but rather as a means to advance a deal.
Galant also stated that the northern Gaza Strip combat phase has concluded, and they will move on to the next phase in its central and southern parts. In the north, Hamas battalions have been dismantled, and the IDF is currently engaged in eliminating pockets of resistance. In the central part of the Gaza Strip, the IDF is destroying Hamas' military production facilities. In the south, it is focusing on the leadership of Hamas located dozens of meters below ground.
Woman murdered in Ra'anana terror attack
Yesterday, terror struck Ra’anana with a combined stabbing and ramming attack. Two illegal residents from Hebron, employees of a car wash in Ra'anana, seized two cars, ran over, and stabbed pedestrians at several locations in the city. A 79-year-old woman was murdered, and 18 others were injured, some of them seriously.
The attack has reignited the debate, even within the government, regarding the entry of Palestinian laborers from the West Bank into Israeli territory for work. The two terrorists, aged 44 and 25, were arrested.
“If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed. Without military pressure, no one will negotiate with us,” the defense minister said
Aftermath of the terror attack in Ra’anana, yesterday. Photo by Gili Yaari/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect
A public appearance by Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant last night revealed disagreements within the government, as public pressure on the government intensifies to prioritize the release of the hostages as the primary goal of the war and to dedicate maximum efforts to achieve it.
The Minister of Defense stated yesterday that 2024 will be a year of war and victory, but also warned that a lack of political progress could hinder military advancement. He called on Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Benny Gantz, saying, "This is a time for unity, partnership, and compromise in order to achieve the goals of the war."
Yet, Gallant emphasized, "The enemy understands only strength. Only eradicating the capabilities of Hamas can lead to the release of the hostages. If the fire stops, the fate of the hostages will be sealed. Without military pressure, no one will negotiate with us.”
Gallant’s remarks reflect the divisions within the cabinet, as the Prime Minister and Defense Minister continue to support the version that only military pressure will bring about the release of the hostages. Meanwhile, Ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot advocate focusing on efforts to release the hostages, even at the cost of a temporary cessation of fighting. Not a complete and prolonged ceasefire, but rather as a means to advance a deal.
Galant also stated that the northern Gaza Strip combat phase has concluded, and they will move on to the next phase in its central and southern parts. In the north, Hamas battalions have been dismantled, and the IDF is currently engaged in eliminating pockets of resistance. In the central part of the Gaza Strip, the IDF is destroying Hamas' military production facilities. In the south, it is focusing on the leadership of Hamas located dozens of meters below ground.
Woman murdered in Ra'anana terror attack
Yesterday, terror struck Ra’anana with a combined stabbing and ramming attack. Two illegal residents from Hebron, employees of a car wash in Ra'anana, seized two cars, ran over, and stabbed pedestrians at several locations in the city. A 79-year-old woman was murdered, and 18 others were injured, some of them seriously.
The attack has reignited the debate, even within the government, regarding the entry of Palestinian laborers from the West Bank into Israeli territory for work. The two terrorists, aged 44 and 25, were arrested.
