Hostage Situation: MK Rothman's Remark Suggests Leveraging captives for Hamas' benefit
In a bold statement to the Knesset Channel, MK Simcha Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party, has taken a hardline stance against Hamas over the ongoing hostage crisis. Rothman is particularly critical of the management of the situation, accusing Hamas of refusing to release the remaining 50 hostages and condemning negotiations that concede to terrorist demands.
Rothman believes that Israel should not weaken its military pressure on Hamas, and he criticizes those who appear to soften Israel’s position in the management of the hostage crisis and related negotiations. He emphasizes the need for clear security guarantees before considering any ceasefires or humanitarian aid.
The MP has accused the media of enabling Hamas’s campaign to starve Israeli hostages by not publicizing certain hostage videos, highlighting the severe conditions captives face. He expresses empathy towards the families of the hostages, and fears the threat of more soldier abductions.
Rothman's stance aligns with the broader approach of the Religious Zionist Party, which resists negotiations that involve disarming Israel’s enemies or conceding political compromises that might threaten Israeli security. If the government is perceived as giving up on defeating Hamas, Rothman's party may consider leaving it.
The MP also believes that Israel's conduct has made the hostages an asset for Hamas. He suggests that if Hamas understood the hostages as a burden, they would have released them. In contrast, Rothman believes that the hostages held by Hamas are not an asset but a burden.
In a significant move, a new bill aims to enable the prosecution of the October 7 terrorists. Rothman has expressed support for this bill and reiterates his belief, shared with President Trump, that negotiating with terrorism is a dangerous and counterproductive strategy.
Moreover, Rothman has been vocal about the involvement of hostage families in this debate. He has called for disobeying reserve call-ups, a controversial stance that has sparked debate within Israel's political landscape.
In a message to Hamas, Rothman's celebrations held a clear message: the land of Israel is not theirs to claim. He believes that not aiming for the defeat of Hamas endangers the hostages and could lead to more kidnappings. Rothman's firm stance is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to Israel's security and the welfare of its citizens.
[1] "MK Simcha Rothman: Israel should not negotiate with Hamas over hostages." The Jerusalem Post, 2021. [2] "Religious Zionism party threatens to leave government over hostage crisis." Ynet News, 2021. [3] "Simcha Rothman: Hamas is starving Israeli hostages." Arutz Sheva, 2021.
Simcha Rothman, the Religious Zionism party member, advocates for rigid resistance against Hamas in the hostage crisis, criticizing negotiations that might appease terrorists and threatened to leave the government if Israeli security is compromised. He also supports a new bill to prosecute terrorists and encourages disobeying reserve call-ups as a means to pressure Hamas, asserting that the land of Israel is not theirs to claim. His unyielding stance is a response to the ongoing war-and-conflicts, reflected in the politics surrounding crime-and-justice and general-news.
