Israel at War—The Hostage Deal

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Israel has decided to put the lives of its kidnapped citizens ahead of its significant ongoing military advantage as it continues the destruction of Hamas.  Obviously, the release of even one person from the clutches of the Islamist death cult is a cause for rejoicing, but any clear-eyed view must admit this deal can also be viewed as a victory for evil.

The editors of The Wall Street Journal provide a useful summary:

Israeli leaders believe the trade is worth it, and it’s not our place to second-guess their judgment. In exchange for returning Israeli children and women, 12 or 13 a day, Hamas is set to receive a four-day pause in Israeli military operations and the release of about 150 of its under-18 and female operatives from Israeli prisons.

During the cease-fire, Israel will allow more fuel and aid into Gaza. The pause might also extend longer if Hamas gives up more hostages, 10 for each additional day.

The deal again shows the moral gulf between the two sides. Hamas kidnapped Israeli children as young as nine months to use as hostages and spring its jihadists who have been arrested or convicted in a fair trial for their crimes. Israel takes military risks to save its citizens. Hamas risks Palestinian civilians to save itself.

Even as Israelis rejoice for the women and children who will return home, they know Hamas is rejoicing too. Its war crimes have been rewarded. It will steal fuel from its own people to power its terror tunnels. Its shattered northern Gaza brigades will use the cease-fire to regroup, escape from weak positions and set more ambushes for Israeli troops. Israel’s leaders made this deal knowing that their soldiers will pay for it.

Expect Hamas to game this agreement, using it to prolong the ceasefire and at the same time fortify its positions and tunnel defenses. And for those who celebrate the ceasefire as a victory for the "innocent, suffering palestinians," it might be worth noting that 3/4 of those same "innocent, suffering palestinians" supported the October 7th atrocities conducted by Hamas.

Like the editors of the WSJ, I hesitate to second guess the Israelis, but in a just and moral world (it is not) mass media opinion would DEMAND the release of ALL hostages BEFORE any ceasefire. Needless to say, that won't happen because many of the most vocal anti-Israel critics  in the media, academia and the Left actually do want Hamas to survive so it can continue its barbaric war against the Jews.