Likud minister: Entering Rafah will endanger hostages

The families of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas participated in a discussion at the Aliyah, Absorption and Diaspora Committee today (Tuesday) and Likud Minister Miki Zohar was asked by them whether a ground operation in Rafah would endanger the lives of their loved ones. Without blinking, Zohar replied: "Yes."

"And how many lives of abductees are you willing to risk?", someone asked. "There is no such imaginary number that I can say. Obviously we do not want to endanger anyone, but the answer is yes. Entering Rafah endangers the abductees," Zohar replied.

This question came after Zohar said that further military operations are the solution that can lead to a breakthrough in stalled negotiations for a hostage release.

After his statements were circulated online and many viewers were aghast at his sentiment, Zohar clarified: "The only way to reach a deal is massive military pressure on Hamas, including a ground operation in Rafah. That's the only way Hamas will pursue a deal. Despite the risk involved in military maneuvering, this is the way to bring all the abductees home and ensure the complete elimination of Hamas."