Israel’s Gaza Dilemma: Defeat Hamas or Save Hostages, Warns Ex-Spokesperson

Israel faces an excruciating catch-22 in its ongoing war in Gaza, torn between crushing Hamas and rescuing hostages still trapped in the terror group’s tunnels, according to former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy. "This is an impossible dilemma," Levy told WTFNewsRoom, emphasizing that leaving Hamas in power would only delay the next inevitable conflict. "If Hamas survives, this war just pauses—it doesn’t end," he warned, pointing to the October 7th atrocities as a grim reminder of the stakes.

International pressure adds fuel to the fire. Countries like the U.K., France, and Canada have demanded Israel halt its military operations, with the U.K. even suspending trade talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired back, accusing these leaders of siding against humanity. Levy, however, challenges critics to offer a better plan. "If you’re slamming Israel, show us how to dismantle Hamas without strengthening it politically," he said, highlighting the absurdity of expecting Israel to negotiate with terrorists while hostages suffer.

The hostage crisis deepens the bind. Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners—potential future threats—for the hostages’ freedom. Levy calls this a "ransom for tomorrow’s hostage-takers," noting that most nations refuse such deals to avoid incentivizing terrorism. Yet Israel, desperate to save its people, has paid this price in past ceasefires, knowing the risks. "We can’t leave them behind, but every release fuels the cycle," Levy lamented.

Global support for Israel has wavered. Early allies backed the fight against Hamas but recoiled as the war’s toll mounted. Levy wonders if a bolder strategy—defying international critics from the start—might have ended the conflict sooner. But with hostages’ lives hanging by a thread, and Hamas threatening executions if Israeli forces close in, the risks are paralyzing. The recent killing of six hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, underscores the danger.

Under President Donald Trump’s renewed leadership, U.S. policy has shifted to stronger support for Israel’s military aims, a contrast to the Biden administration’s pressure. Since Trump’s return, dozens of hostages, including American-Israelis, have been freed. Yet, Levy notes, even Trump’s team seems eager to wrap up the conflict swiftly. Balancing the destruction of Hamas with the safe return of hostages remains a tightrope walk—one Israel cannot afford to misstep.