These 3 Issues Could Temper Israel’s Joy

The return of the hostages is set to bring national celebration, but retired IDF retired Major General Giora Eiland explains that there are at least three key issues could cloud the sense of victory.

First, the 28 missing or fallen. It is already clear that not all will come back, not in the next 72 hours and likely not ever. Hamas has no real incentive to return the fallen, since the main payoff is for the living hostages. An international task force, Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish, may try to locate them, but their motivation is limited. Families of the missing may soon find that public attention has moved on, much like what happened with the Goldin and Shaul families.

Second, the gap between celebrations and the actual framework. Trump’s plan clearly outlines a second phase. After the hostages return, Hamas should be disarmed and control of Gaza should pass to another authority. There is little sign that anyone, including the U.S., is pressing Hamas to meet this. If Phase B does not happen, the IDF will still hold positions along the “revised yellow line,” keeping tensions high and leaving Israel limited in responding to attacks.

Third, the danger of reconstruction. Israel does not want Gaza rebuilt unless it is fully demilitarized. Without disarming Hamas and destroying tunnels and weapons, rebuilding could strengthen Hamas instead of weaken it, essentially setting the stage for another October 7-type attack in a few years. Reconstruction talks are already underway in Paris, even as the first phase of the deal begins.

In short, the deal is a cause for celebration, but the missing fallen, the shaky second phase, and the potential reconstruction of Gaza all leave major questions. Israel’s next challenge will be ensuring that the victory is lasting, not temporary.

Although none of us knows what the future holds, getting the hostages out of Hamas clutches is a massive achievement and truly a miracle for all Israelis and Jews.