Haaretz Today | It's Not Capitulation if Everyone From Israel's Defense Chiefs to Iran Wants Gaza Cease-fire
In a rare convergence, it seems that this week Israel's defense chiefs, the Israeli public, the ambassadors of the U.S., U.K. and Germany and the Iranian government are all on the same page
Linda Dayan
Aug 14, 2024
In a rare convergence, it seems that this week Israel's defense chiefs, the Israeli public, the ambassadors of the U.S., U.K. and Germany and the Iranian government are all on the same page. Despite some differences in logistics and long-term outcomes, perhaps, all of these disparate groups are asking for one thing: a cease-fire.
And though Iranian sources haven't used the word "hostage," it's clear that a return of those in Hamas captivity will be the most basic demand of that deal.
A poll released Tuesday by the Israel Democracy Institute found that a majority (though not a large one) of Israelis support a comprehensive deal for the release of all hostages in return for an end to the war. The Shin Bet security service and Mossad heads have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a deal (he reportedly called them "soft" in response, and told them to pressure Hamas' Yahya Sinwar instead of him). The aforementioned ambassadors released a joint statement on Wednesday calling on Israel to negotiate a deal, which they believe can still be reached.
And in the least gentle coaxing thus far, a senior Iranian official said Tuesday that only a cease-fire in Gaza can keep Tehran from retaliating for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, which is widely attributed to Israel. The carrot is bringing home the hostages; the stick is a multi-front regional inferno.
On Thursday, Israel's negotiation team, including Mossad head David Barnea, Shin Bet security service head Ronen Bar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political advisor Ophir Falk and head of the IDF's Missing and Captive Soldiers Division Nitzan Alon, will set off for Doha. All of these figures have pressured Netanyahu to negotiate a deal (except for Fleck, who enraged the family members of hostages last month by telling them in a meeting in Washington that Hamas doesn't want a deal, despite the security establishment and defense minister claiming otherwise).
For months now, the family members of hostages have been clear in their demands. Speech upon speech at the Saturday night rallies at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square have called on the prime minister to give the negotiating team full freedom to make a deal. This particular delegation has gotten Netanyahu's seal of approval to fly to Qatar and negotiate on Israel's behalf. Perhaps he'll put his trust in them and allow them to seal an agreement that might not leave everyone thrilled but will certainly leave us happier than having to endure more excruciating months of war and of captivity for the hostages. And a deal, even if not ideal, will surely make any of us happier than if Iran strikes Israel again at a time when our regional and international allies may be feeling a bit unenthusiastic about shooting down ballistic missiles on our behalf after witnessing 10 months of carnage in Gaza.
And after all, can a deal be considered capitulation if it's what everybody – from the most informed intelligence heads to the people to the foreign representatives – is asking for?