Eylon Levy, a former Israeli government spokesperson, has highlighted the nation’s challenging position in the ongoing Gaza conflict. He points to an ‘impossible dilemma’ as Israel tries to achieve both the rescue of hostages and the defeat of Hamas. While the nation aims to end the war swiftly, the presence of Hamas in power could lead to renewed hostilities, according to Levy.
Levy emphasizes that the international community is pressuring Israel to end the conflict, with the UK, France, and Canada issuing warnings. He criticizes these countries for not offering a viable alternative to the current situation. Levy admits that while Israel cannot abandon the hostages, there are concerns about the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for their safety.
He also criticizes the international community’s stance, indicating that most nations do not pay ransoms to terrorists. Levy notes that Israel has had to pay ranssoms in the past to secure the release of hostages, as they face severe risks if they remain in captivity. The ongoing tension and challenges in the region are further complicated by conflicting goals—trying to free the hostages while eliminating Hamas, which is seen as a threat.
Levy also mentions the potential impact of international support on the situation, with the Trump administration appearing to back Israel’s military actions. Since Trump’s return to the White House, several hostages have been freed, indicating his administration’s willingness to support Israel’s strategy. The situation in Gaza remains complex, as Israel faces the dual challenge of resolving the hostage crisis and ensuring the definitive elimination of Hamas from power.