Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has criticized Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing the appearance of strength over reaching agreements. In an interview with military radio, Barak asserted that Netanyahu is willing to jeopardize the lives of hostages held in Gaza for the sake of enhancing his public image.
Barak, who served as Israel’s chief of staff, defense, and foreign affairs minister, emphasized Netanyahu’s alleged willingness to sacrifice hostages for political gain. These comments coincide with indications that talks in Paris involving top Israeli security officials may lead to a potential hostage deal with Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Barak also called for protests against the government, citing recent clashes between protesters and police during anti-government demonstrations in Tel Aviv. He proposed a mass gathering of 30,000 citizens surrounding the Knesset (parliament) in tents for an extended period to convey a lack of confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership.
The interview took place against the backdrop of the protracted conflict initiated on October 7, marked by attacks from Palestinian extremists, predominantly led by Hamas, from Gaza into southern Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with ongoing efforts to address the complex situation in the region.
