Ex-Defense Minister Gallant Blames Leak for Failed Hostage Deal

Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed at the International Counter-Terrorism Conference at Reichman University that a leak of sensitive details "by someone with an interest in the negotiations collapsing" was responsible for the failure of a hostage deal. Gallant stated that the security establishment, including the Chief of Staff, head of Shin Bet, and head of Mossad, had unanimously supported the proposed deal. He described a "rare consensus" among War Cabinet members, including Benny Gantz, Ron Dermer, Gadi Eisenkot, Aryeh Deri, and himself, who pushed for the agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially opposed it but eventually allowed it to proceed, partly due to public pressure.

Gallant detailed the mandate given to the negotiation team, which was agreed upon by Netanyahu, Gantz, and himself. The objective was to secure the release of 33 living hostages, with a minimum threshold of 18 hostages triggering a deal. He explained that the confidential terms of the deal were leaked, leading to its collapse. Specifically, Gallant recounted that after a War Cabinet discussion, Bezalel Smotrich met with Netanyahu and later informed the cabinet that Israel was prepared to release prisoners for 18 hostages.

Gallant emphasized that these numbers constituted the "core secret" of the negotiations, and their exposure to Hamas made a deal impossible. He further stated that Netanyahu later contacted him, requesting the decision be reversed due to media criticism. Two days later, the impact of the leak became clear when Hamas's response indicated they were demanding 33 hostages, making the previous offer of 18 unacceptable. Gallant concluded that the deal was sabotaged by someone who wanted the negotiations to fail, urging listeners to "connect all the dots." He also noted the irony that the terms of this failed deal, plus 110 prisoners serving life sentences, were similar to an interim deal reached in January 2025.