In a recent analysis, Odeh Basharat from Haaretz highlights the growing frustration among families of Israeli prisoners and demonstrators supporting them regarding the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, which many hoped would lead to prisoner releases, has left these families feeling disappointed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political maneuvers seem to be a significant factor in this situation, as CIA Director William Burns noted that reaching an agreement hinges on political will—something Basharat argues Netanyahu lacks.
Basharat draws connections between the anticipated prisoner swap deal involving Hamas and Israel and former US President Donald Trump's campaign for re-election. He references a column by Thomas Friedman, stating that Netanyahu may intensify military operations in Gaza as the US election approaches, aiming to bolster Trump's chances. This relationship is characterized as an 'alliance of dark forces,' where Netanyahu's actions may be strategically aligned with Trump's political interests, potentially sacrificing the lives of prisoners for the sake of political gain.
The analysis also critiques Netanyahu's treatment of both President Biden and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggesting a pattern of humiliation and disregard for Palestinian leadership while simultaneously leveraging the plight of prisoners for political leverage. As the US elections draw near, the stakes are high, with the lives of hostages hanging in the balance amid a complex web of international politics.
