Main opposition leader in Israel blames Netanyahu: Why did the war hostages die?

In Israel, main opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid argued that the government's war policy, which it describes as 'military pressure,' has caused the deaths of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian groups in Gaza.

Speaking to Israel's 103 FM Radio, Lapid targeted the Israeli government's insistence on a 'military solution' regarding the rescue of hostages in Gaza.

Lapid stated, 'What military pressure? Are we seeing a major operation in Gaza? Stop and make a deal for the kidnapped (hostages). Military pressure has killed the hostages in Gaza.'

Regarding calls for the formation of a national unity government, Lapid recalled that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not want this, while he himself had proposed the formation of a national unity government at a press conference on October 7.

Stating that Netanyahu wants a government that he personally leads, Lapid used the expression, 'Forming a government with Gvir and Smotrich was not imposed on Netanyahu.'

Regarding the aftermath of the attacks, Lapid argued that they would need a very limited portion of the Palestinian Authority, but that no one wants the Palestinian Authority to be a part of this period.

Criticizing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as well, Lapid said, 'Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) did not clearly condemn October 7.'

News Source: AA