Israel Threatens Gaza Offensive if Hostage Deal Fails Before Trump Visit
A high-ranking Israeli defense official has stated that President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East presents a crucial opportunity to secure a hostage deal with Hamas. Failure to reach an agreement within this timeframe will lead to a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, dubbed "Operation Gideon Chariots."
According to a Reuters report, the official indicated that the Israeli security cabinet has already decided to expand operations in Gaza. Should a hostage deal not materialize, Operation Gideon Chariots will commence with full force and continue until all its objectives are met.
Israel is reportedly preparing for this operation over the next ten days, including the mobilization of tens of thousands of reserve troops. The goal of the operation is to take control of the entire Gaza Strip.
Plan to Capture All of Gaza Approved
The planned operation signals a significant shift in Israeli strategy. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intend to maintain their presence in captured territory rather than withdrawing after the operation concludes. The duration of this occupation remains unspecified, raising concerns about potential violations of UN-brokered treaties and internationally recognized borders.
Fox News Digital’s requests for comment from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office have gone unanswered.
Hostage Families Criticize Proposed Operation
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has strongly criticized the cabinet’s plan, labeling it the "Smotrich-Netanyahu plan" and accusing the government of prioritizing territory over the release of hostages and Israel’s overall security.
In their statement, the forum asserted that this plan represents an admission by the government that it is sacrificing the hostages for territorial gains. They also highlighted that recent polls indicate over 70% of Israelis oppose prioritizing military objectives over the return of hostages.
Trump’s Middle East Visit
Trump’s trip to the Middle East, scheduled for May 13-16, includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Initially intended as his first international visit since returning to the White House, it was designed to underscore the region’s importance to the United States. However, Trump’s earlier trip to Italy for Pope Francis’ funeral, where he discussed matters with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, now marks his first international engagement.
Neither the White House nor the State Department has responded to Fox News Digital’s inquiries regarding Israel’s increasingly aggressive stance and its potential impact on hostage negotiations and broader peace efforts.
Parents of Hostages Urge Trump to Intervene
Amid the ongoing Israeli siege in Gaza, the parents of Hamas hostages are urging Trump to take a firm stance with both allies and adversaries to prioritize the release of their loved ones.
Netanyahu’s Comments Draw Criticism
Netanyahu’s recent remarks have caused considerable concern among ceasefire negotiators. He stated for the first time that securing the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which is approximately 580 days ago, is not his top priority.
"We have many objectives, many goals in this war. We want to bring back all of our hostages," Netanyahu stated. "That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve."
Netanyahu also defended his increasingly aggressive operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 50,000 deaths, including more than 15,600 children as of late March, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, framing the conflict as "a war between civilization and barbarism."
Qatar Condemns Netanyahu’s Rhetoric
Qatar, a key mediator in hostage negotiations and ceasefire efforts, responded to Netanyahu’s comments in a social media post, stating that they "fall short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility."
Majed Al Ansari, advisor to Qatar Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Thani and spokesman for the foreign ministry, stated, "Portraying the ongoing aggression against Gaza as a defense of ‘civilization’ echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians."
Ansari did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions.
This situation underscores the urgency of the hostage negotiations and the potential for a significant escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a deal can be reached and whether the region will witness further violence. The pressure is on all parties to find a solution that prioritizes both the release of the hostages and the prevention of further bloodshed. The international community, particularly the United States, is being called upon to exert maximum influence to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a peaceful resolution.
