Israeli Media: Netanyahu Actively Blocked Every Deal to Free Hostages

Meanwhile, Netanyahu advances plans to annex Gaza in continued violation of international law

Recent revelations from Haaretz, Israel's longest-running newspaper, have confirmed a deeply disturbing reality: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has actively blocked every potential hostage deal since October 7th, 2023. While the public narrative continues to ask why Hamas refuses to agree to such deals, the more pressing question is why Netanyahu himself has repeatedly obstructed these opportunities, and why the West continues to arm him? The answer to these questions speak to a much darker truth. Let’s Address This.

Haaretz and the Jewish Independent both cite the report by Channel 12 News' Yaron Avraham, that:

Since the hostage release-ceasefire deal in November, Israel's negotiation team has been a futile mission to secure another deal to bring home more hostages, while Netanyahu “did everything in his power to make sure they are not successful”. Netanyahu walked back several promises he made, including an agreement to end the war, and invented new "non-starters" that were previously never mentioned that blocked a deal. He also repeatedly prevented negotiators from travelling to ceasefire talks, or greatly limited their negotiation powers when they are allowed to go.

But perhaps even more concerning is that this is not a recent development. Haaretz reported way back in March, 2024, that Netanyahu’s own generals are angry with him for “sabotaging a hostage deal.” In fact, the families of the hostages themselves condemn Netanyahu as “Mr. Death,” stating that they learned a full hostage deal was on the table in October of 2023, that Netanyahu rejected.

Simultaneously, Netanyahu has made clear his intention to annex Gaza, further deepening the catastrophe that already grips the Palestinian territory. This is not a random byproduct of war—it is a deliberate strategy to seize land that does not belong to Israel under international law. It is no different in practical effect than Putin annexing part of The Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to bombard Gaza, killing civilians indiscriminately. How, then, can anyone deny that this is the perpetuation of genocide?

Indeed, one of the most difficult elements to prove when assessing genocide is the matter of intent. Yet what other conclusion can be drawn when Netanyahu blocks hostage deals, prolongs the conflict, and openly declares his plans to annex Gaza while it lies in ruins? This is not accidental. This is calculated. This is intentional. And it does not take an international human rights lawyer to see the intent behind this cruelty.

One of the most effective propaganda claims Netanyahu has disseminated is that "he'd stop bombing Gaza if only Hamas would accept releasing all hostages." Meanwhile, as the receipts in this article shows, Netanyahu has been the main culprit behind preventing a hostage deal, even as he rejected UN Security Council Resolution 2735. UNSC 2735 is a binding UN resolution of Israel's own hostage release proposal, and Netanyahu rejected it once it passed because Hamas accepted it.

And now, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead, killed by the Israeli military. VP Harris has reissued her calls for an end to the siege on Gaza. And while I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong—I am betting that Netanyahu will not stop his siege.

Enough is enough. It is past time for the international community to stop arming Netanyahu’s regime and enabling these crimes. The siege on Gaza must end, and those responsible for these atrocities—Netanyahu and his military generals—must be held accountable. Only through justice and accountability can we ensure true safety and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, in both the short and long term.