The eliminations in Beirut and Tehran have made a hostage deal and a ceasefire agreement almost impossible at this time, according to many in Israel. On one hand, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly asserts on camera that he and his government will not abandon the hostage Israelis in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, voices from the coalition and the security apparatus suggest that Netanyahu does not want a hostage deal at this time. Washington is also frustrated with the Israeli leader. “Netanyahu is bluffing,” a senior official told the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronot. The families of the kidnapped Israelis feel betrayed by Bibi. Overall, it is easy to get the impression that he has postponed the hostage deal – whether for political, strategic, or personal reasons. Or is there something else behind it? Could it be that he needs these headlines against Hamas for tactical reasons? It’s not an easy situation to properly interpret.

For weeks, Netanyahu has been accusing the Israeli security apparatus...

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