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ARCHIVE - The Israeli politician Benny Gantz. Photo: Matias Delacroix/AP/dpa
Keystone
Israeli opposition politician Benny Gantz has called for the formation of a temporary unity government in order to facilitate a deal with Hamas for the release of the hostages. Such a government must begin with an agreement that brings home all 50 hostages - including 20 who are still alive, he demanded. There would then have to be a new election in the spring of next year, on a mutually agreed date.
Hostages in mortal danger
"Our hostages' lives are in danger, their time is running out," said Gantz. Referring to video footage of hostages emaciated to the bone, he spoke of "Musselmen" and recalled his mother Malka, a survivor of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. "My mother taught me that life is something sacred," said the opposition politician. Israel is at an important crossroads.
Gantz in favor of temporary alliance of convenience
The ex-defense minister had left Netanyahu's government in 2024 following differences of opinion. He has now called on other opposition politicians to join him in a "government to release the hostages" for six months. "If (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu does not agree, then we will know that we have done everything." However, the chances of such an alliance are considered extremely slim.
Ultra-right wing of the government against ceasefire
According to unconfirmed media reports, the far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has told relatives of the hostages that he will resign from the government if Netanyahu agrees to a ceasefire agreement with the Islamist Hamas. In order to survive politically, Netanyahu has so far been dependent on the support of his far-right partners such as Smotrich.
23.08.2025, 20:23
