Hamas Deception and Failed Hostage Deal Detailed by Israeli Journalist

Investigative journalist Ronen Bergman presented a critical view of Israeli leadership's actions before and during the war, focusing on Hamas's deception and the stalled hostage negotiations. Speaking with veteran journalist Nahum Barnea, Bergman discussed warnings Israel received before the October 7th attack and a potential hostage deal in the summer of 2024 that he believes could have freed more captives.

Bergman argued that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar simultaneously prepared for a large-scale attack while orchestrating a deception to convince Israel that Hamas was not planning such an offensive. Evidence, including documents found in Sinwar's hiding place, suggests Hamas meticulously planned the attack, incorporating Israeli intelligence assessments into their deception strategy. Sinwar also allegedly sent a detailed message through intermediary Soufian Abu Zeida, which Bergman described as an ultimatum, proposing a deal and threatening a "dramatic move" if Israel did not comply by the end of September.

Bergman suggested that even if Israel couldn't fully decipher the deception, it should have prepared for an attack. He highlighted a meeting on September 16th where the central warning system was reportedly non-operational, and intelligence warnings were unavailable. Bergman criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly avoiding discussions on the matter, partly due to fears of leaks, and for not fully presenting external warnings, such as those from the UAE, to security officials.

Regarding the hostage negotiations in the summer of 2024, Bergman refuted the common assertion that Hamas was unwilling to reach a deal. He stated that Hamas was prepared to agree to terms and that the failure to reach a comprehensive agreement did not mean a partial deal was impossible. Bergman claimed a proposal in July 2024, which he called the "Netanyahu framework" and later the "Biden framework," was largely agreed upon by both Hamas and Israel, involving phased releases of hostages.

However, Bergman alleged that as the deal neared, Israeli elements worked to sabotage it. He pointed to a statement by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, suggesting he had access to classified information about the talks before they were public. Bergman believes political figures received information and actively worked against the agreement, with Smotrich acting as a pawn for Netanyahu, who he suggests wanted to prolong the war. The delay, Bergman noted, meant hostages remained captive for months longer, and the eventual deal in October 2025 was similar to the earlier framework.

Finally, Bergman criticized the government's slogan of "absolute victory," calling it a euphemism for an "eternal war." He argued that Netanyahu gradually realized absolute victory was unattainable and is now framing the ongoing conflict as an achievement. Instead of a clear resolution, Bergman warned, Israel risks being drawn into repeated rounds of fighting, with the potential for further escalation, including with Iran.