Israeli Defense Minister: Israel Will Annex Parts of Gaza if Hostages Not Released

Israeli Defense Minister: Israel Will Annex Parts of Gaza if Hostages Not Released
Above: Palestinians sit in front of makeshift tents, placed near garbage heap, as garbage pile increases due to the rising number of migrants to the north and the lack of settlements in Gaza City, Gaza on March 21, 2025. Image copyright: Dawoud Abo Alkas/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Spin


Pro-establishment narrative

The return to war will not save the hostages. Netanyahu is playing with fire as he divides Israel by moving to sack Ronen Bar and resuming the war in Gaza to buy time. Both sides need to make concessions so that the cease-fire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.


Pro-Israel narrative

Hamas got two weeks of a cease-fire for free as it refused to release additional hostages, making a return to war inevitable. Though the media have uncritically parroted Hamas propaganda regarding civilian casualties, the reality is that Israel is targeting senior Hamas officials and the terror group's military infrastructure, which is embedded in civilian areas. If Palestinians in Gaza want the war to end, they should force Hamas to release the hostages.


Pro-Palestine narrative

Netanyahu is resuming the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to ensure his political survival. Facing corruption charges alongside a weakened governing coalition, Netanyahu can only survive through endless war and genocide. Indeed, Netanyahu is not just a danger to Palestinians, but a danger to the world.


Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


The Controversies



Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!