Families of Israeli Prisoners Warn Against Gideon Sa’ar’s Appointment as Security Minister

Families of Israeli prisoners have expressed strong opposition to⁤ the potential appointment of⁤ National Right Party leader Gideon Sa’ar as security minister, citing ‍concerns that ‍it would ⁤be detrimental to the prisoners’ well-being.

The⁢ Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu ‍was considering‌ firing Defense Minister Yoav ​Galant⁤ and replacing him with Sa’ar, but Netanyahu’s office denied the rumors, stating that the reports were “inaccurate.”

Sa’ar’s Stance ⁤on Prisoner Exchange Deal

The prisoners’ families released a statement condemning Sa’ar’s potential appointment, ​citing his previous opposition to ⁢a ⁢prisoner exchange deal. They argued that Sa’ar’s appointment would be a “clear acknowledgment” that the prime minister had ⁢abandoned the prisoners.

Sa’ar had previously stated that he opposed the proposed deal, describing⁢ it as a “condition of surrender.” He ‌also expressed‍ concerns that​ military pressure‍ on Hamas would harm the prisoners, citing the deaths of dozens of prisoners as a result of such pressure.

Concerns Over Sa’ar’s Leadership

The prisoners’ families questioned Sa’ar’s suitability to lead the security system,​ given his stance on the prisoner exchange deal. They emphasized that Sa’ar’s appointment would have‍ severe consequences for the prisoners, effectively imposing a “death ‍penalty”‌ on them.

Israel currently holds approximately 9,500‌ Palestinian prisoners, with an estimated ‍101 in Gaza. Hamas⁣ has reported the killing of dozens of prisoners in Israeli‌ raids.

Netanyahu’s Priorities

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s ⁢priorities, stating that he⁢ puts his personal interests above the well-being of the state. Lapid reiterated his refusal to participate in a government led by Netanyahu, citing concerns over‌ the prime minister’s ‌approach.

Support for a Cease-Fire and Prisoner Exchange Deal

Defense Minister Yoav Galant has‍ expressed support for‌ a ⁣proposed prisoner exchange deal and a cease-fire⁤ in Gaza, despite ⁢Netanyahu’s opposition. The prisoners’ ⁣families urged Netanyahu to prioritize the⁢ return of the prisoners and achieving the war’s goals.