Gallant Informs Hostage Families of No Imminent Deal, Says Hamas Aims for Regional War

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant delivered a sobering message to the families of Israeli hostages on Monday, stating that there is currently no end in sight to negotiations with Hamas. Gallant explained that Hamas, led by its chief Yahya Sinwar, is closely watching Israel’s battles on other fronts particularly with Hezbollah and Iran and is hoping for a larger regional conflict.

“There’s stagnation, and I don’t see progress right now in this period, I’m very sorry to say,” Gallant told the families, according to a recording aired by the Hebrew press. He noted that Hamas has hardened its position, likely betting on escalations elsewhere to serve its goals.

These remarks come amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in southern Lebanon, launched in response to Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks following the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on southern Israel. Hezbollah’s strikes have forced tens of thousands of northern Israeli residents from their homes, and Israel is determined to secure the region before allowing civilians to return.

Gallant stressed that Israel would seize any opportunity to negotiate a hostage deal if the situation on the Lebanese and Gazan fronts allowed it. However, he warned that the prospects for such a deal remain bleak. “I hope we’ll get somewhere, but for the moment, there is no end in sight,” he said, adding that Hamas is unlikely to back down, as the terror group believes it has little left to lose due to ongoing operations in Gaza.

Hamas, which has long aspired to ignite a regional war that would unite various anti-Israel fronts, has been closely aligned with both Hezbollah and Iran. Recent reports suggest that Iran, which sponsors both groups, fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this month. While Israel successfully defended against the attack, it has vowed to respond in due course, though it has reportedly ruled out targeting Iran’s oil and nuclear infrastructure.

The challenges on multiple fronts are complicating Israel’s efforts to resolve the hostage crisis. Reports have indicated that Hamas had originally planned to launch its massive invasion of Israel in 2022 but delayed it, likely in the hope of securing support from Iran and Hezbollah. That plan materialized last October when Hamas terrorists stormed southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

Gallant’s comments reflect the difficult balancing act Israel faces. While Hamas has suffered devastating losses and Israel considers the terror group defeated militarily, the hostages remain a deeply emotional and societal issue. Gallant stressed the importance of securing their release, saying, “We need that for their sake, but no less for our sake as a society. It’s the Israeli narrative, the ABC of Judaism.”

As negotiations stall, Mossad chief Ronen Bar has been working through diplomatic channels. Last weekend, he visited Egypt to meet with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, discussing obstacles to a potential deal. A key sticking point is control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, where Hamas tunnels have long been used to smuggle weapons and fighters.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, believed to be the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, has remained out of contact in recent weeks, leading to speculation about his fate. However, recent reports confirm that Sinwar is alive and has resumed communication with Qatar, which hosts much of Hamas’s political leadership.

Despite the difficult outlook, Israel continues to seek new avenues for a breakthrough in hostage negotiations. With 97 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, the situation remains a pressing concern for both the Israeli government and society as a whole.

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