Israeli lawmaker calls on Gantz, Eisenkot to leave the 'failed gov't'

• Published date: 24 March 2024
• Author: 103FM
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Regarding the hostage deal taking shape, Cohen said that he "sees the families, their story becomes routine. This is the great danger that we are in the overall picture of another thing called captives, and the world continues as usual. I sincerely hope that this will not happen, and we are doing everything we can to prevent it."

When asked if he was afraid that the hostages would never be released, he answered, "Yes. I don't know if the government will give them up, but the government's conduct and the lack of determination among some of the people I talk to lead us to the perception that there is not enough determination. Where there is not enough determination, that a state abandons 134 hostages—that's [moral] bankruptcy."

He reveals that "There is looting of the state budget. It's unbelievable that someone thinks that in the great distress we are in, they can pass such a budget." He added, "We, as Yesh Atid, say that all we need to invest everything in order to return the hostages. Everything must be done to bring them back, and if we have to pay a heavy price, we should."

Further into the interview, Cohen was asked if the prime minister and his government could afford to stall the return of the hostages. Cohen answered, "I don't know. We are talking to them and making our voices heard. I hear determination from one side, even within the families of the hostages. We keep saying we won't end the efforts. Our people probably die in Gaza every week."

The factors that influence Netanyahu's major political decisions

Cohen also stated, "I am realizing that Gantz and Eisenkot do not have a significant influence on the government," and said regarding Sa'ar, "I think that what Gideon did was his decision but he should not have done it. It is his sole right to ask to be a cabinet member. What is worrying is that I think that the prime minister will accept him into the cabinet, but he...