Deif's death "most significant since 1996," will affect Sinwar

Former Shin Bet senior official Ilan Lotan interviewed today (Wednesday) for Reshet Bet Radio to talk about the hostage deal negotiations: "If we address the report of Gallant's words to the families that this is an opportunity which may not repeat, these are likely the best conditions."

Lotan also argued that "in my view, the elimination of Mohammad Deif is the most significant elimination at least since the elimination of Yahya Ayash in 1996. I have no dilemma if we should have hit him. Sinwar's status will change with the outside leadership."

Lotan further argued that Deif's elimination not only did not harm efforts to reach a hostage deal but even helped it: "in light of (Deif's) status in this organization, this puts us in a good position for a deal."