Overview
- Gal Hirsch says Yahya Sinwar intended to hold Israeli captives for up to a decade as long-term leverage, describing categories of cases and prolonged negotiations.
- He recounts multiple planned rescues that were aborted at the last moment to avoid risking hostages’ lives, emphasizing intelligence limits and prioritizing life over tempo.
- Hirsch argues demonstrations for an immediate deal were exploited by Hamas for propaganda and bargaining, a claim that drew sharp rebukes from former hostages and bereaved families.
- Families’ representatives and some ex-captives accuse Hirsch of deception and harsh treatment and call for his resignation, while supporters such as Forum Tikva defend his conduct.
- Hirsch alleges he received death threats, including from Einav Zangauker, and says he has filed lawsuits over threats and defamation; critics including Or Levy credit President Trump, not Israeli officials, for releases.