Israeli media describes Benjamin Netanyahu as “a terrible man” and a “serial liar”
Ynet's Ben Caspit provides an analysis of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, highlighting its contradictory elements and his recurrent tendency to deflect blame in the wake of setbacks, especially concerning the handling of prisoner-captive exchanges.
In response to Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments regarding the seventh round of prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas, Ben Caspit of the Israeli newspaper Maariv issued a strong criticism of the Israeli Prime Minister. Referring to Netanyahu’s actions and character, Caspit described him as “a truly awful man,” emphasizing the severity of the situation in his candid remarks.
On Thursday, Palestinian Resistance factions transferred the remains of four Israeli captives to the International Red Cross in Bani Suheila, located east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
On the eve of a solemn exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message as preparations were underway to repatriate the bodies of four individuals who perished during the conflict in Gaza. These casualties were attributed to the persistent and widespread bombardment by Israeli forces. The Prime Minister designated Thursday as “a turbulent day, a day of grief,” highlighting the somber nature of the day’s events.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s senior officials, such as Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar and various security personnel, whom commentator Caspit criticized as “Netanyahu’s attack dogs,” released a statement attributing the progress in negotiations to Netanyahu’s strategic intervention. They asserted that Netanyahu’s decision to modify the composition of the negotiation team significantly affected the negotiation process. According to Caspit, these claims originate from “an informed source,” purportedly Netanyahu himself.
On the eve of a profoundly somber occasion, an individual chose to express and distribute remarks that have raised significant concern, according to a statement given. In light of the numerous sorrowful events experienced over the past year and a half—events attributed to the actions of an individual who, since the massacre on October 7, has been criticized for evading responsibility. This person has allegedly engaged in smearing opponents, fostering division, inciting controversy, and vilifying any entities perceived as obstacles to accountability, the source further elaborated.
Caspit reports that, contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims, Hamas had already suggested combining two phases of releasing captives weeks prior to the prime minister reorganizing the negotiation team. This proposal occurred independently of Netanyahu’s decision to exclude Mossad chief Dedi Barnea and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar from the process. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has attributed the successful breakthrough solely to his efforts, according to the Israeli journalist.
In a continued critique of the prime minister, commentator Caspit elaborated on what he perceives as Netanyahu’s reluctance to accept responsibility. Caspit noted that the prime minister is quick to claim credit during successful military operations, often highlighting the purported defeat of Hamas, the retreat of Hezbollah, and reports of strikes on high-ranking militant figures. However, during times of difficulty, Netanyahu, according to Caspit, promptly deflects blame towards military and intelligence officials, using them as scapegoats for any missteps.
“That’s Netanyahu for you,” remarked the journalist. “He takes credit for successes, while failures are attributed to others.”
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, asserting that the recent prisoner exchange deal was a result of his initiative, executed through strategic pressure on Hamas in collaboration with US support. However, Netanyahu has since expressed skepticism regarding prior negotiation attempts, characterizing them as futile “give and take” exercises. This apparent contradiction prompts the public to question the reliability of these differing narratives, as noted by Caspit.
Security officials, appointed directly by Prime Minister Netanyahu, have recently come under fire from him, despite his previous endorsement. As reported by Caspit, Netanyahu not only defined their mandate but also oversaw every stage of the negotiations, ultimately greenlighting every component of the agreement. However, with political considerations now taking precedence, he appears ready to distance himself from their work.
