Recent criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government for the lack of a hostage deal are not only misplaced but also dangerously simplistic. The true responsibility lies with Hamas, a terrorist organization that has repeatedly demonstrated its disdain for human life. As difficult as it may be, Israelis would be wise to adjust the way they approach the hostage paradigm and adopt a new doctrine. This doctrine should be based on the understanding that when hostages are taken there are defined limits as to what the government will give up in order to secure their safety.
The Israeli government’s primary objective is to secure the safety of its entire population—more than 10 million people. The situation with the hostages is heart-wrenching with terrible impacts on their families and the nation. Israel is facing a situation where the best possible outcome is still a bad choice. While it is admirable that Israel values each individual life so deeply, prioritizing the safety of millions over the tragic fate of a few is the best bad choice they can make.
Israel’s past willingness to trade more than 1,000 terrorists for a single Israel Defense Forces soldier (Gilad Shalit) sent a clear message to its enemies: Israel will make outrageous concessions to secure hostages. This policy has emboldened groups like Hamas who understood that hostage-taking is like kryptonite for Israel. They believed that they could exact tremendous concessions because of the Israeli people’s commitment to each other. Hamas turned this beautiful characteristic into an Achilles heel. It is incumbent upon Israelis to adjust the way they approach these challenges, and this new doctrine must be adopted.
It is quite interesting—and concerning—that hundreds of thousands of Israelis fail to recognize this reality. It is almost as if they do not understand that making a deal at any cost will only serve to further embolden their enemies and encourage them to repeat such actions in the future. The surprising lack of understanding highlights the complexity of the issue and also the level of trauma that so many Israelis have been exposed to.
Similarly, and perhaps even more inexplicably, American Jews have been highly critical of Netanyahu. At a time when the Jewish people face immense challenges, it is astonishing that the leader of the only Jewish state is subjected to criticism from every armchair general with an opinion. This is the height of irresponsibility. People should think twice and then think again before putting pen to paper to criticize the democratically elected prime minister of Israel.
The idea that Israel would sacrifice critical military objectives such as control over the Philadelphi Corridor to secure the release of hostages is simply untenable. This corridor is vital for cutting off Hamas’s supply lines, preventing rearmament and limiting their ability to continue their terror campaign. The United States will have a new president in nine weeks, and it is completely uncertain what that administration’s policy will be vis à vis Israel and the war in Gaza. Facts on the ground matter.
Diplomatic pressure from the United States and the international community could easily prevent Israel from re-entering this critical area if it were to leave now. Losing control over the Philadelphi Corridor would severely undermine Israel’s ability to choke off Hamas’s resources and win the war.
We must have faith in our leaders, recognizing that both our enemies and allies are watching Israel closely. Netanyahu is acting in what he believes to be the best interest of Israel’s present and future. He was elected by the people, and if they are unhappy with his decisions, those same people can vote him out of office. In the meantime, we must respect and support the difficult choices his government is making.
The harsh reality is that the hostages may be lost. Israel must do everything within its power to bring them home but not at the expense of its broader strategic objectives. We must not allow our enemies to believe that taking hostages will lead to major concessions. It is time to create a new hostage doctrine. There must be a happy ending to this story, and there can be by ensuring a victory over Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
