Lapid, Golan: Hostage video underscores need for deal; Ben Gvir demands ‘full occupation’

Reacting to a video Hamas published today of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, politicians from across the political spectrum say it affirms their positions on the war in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers respond to the video, which also included footage of another hostage, by saying it underscores their calls for a deal to free the 48 hostages held by terror groups in Gaza, at least 20 of whom, including Gilboa-Dalal, are thought to be alive.

“The sign of life that was publicized this morning is another painful reminder that Israel must return to negotiations to bring back the captives and try to close a deal,” Opposition Leader Yair Lapid posted on X.

Yair Golan, chair of the left-wing Democrats party, wrote, that the video “illustrates the immediate need to bring everyone back,” adding, “The most just war in Israel’s history has become a war for [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s survival.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, by contrast, repeats his demand for Israel to occupy Gaza.

“Hamas’ psychological terror is meant to make us stop the operation in Gaza,” he posts on X. “The warranted response: Full occupation, total crushing, encouragement of massive [Palestinian] migration. Only thus do we win, and only thus do we bring back the hostages in security.”

The family of the second hostage has asked for him not to be identified, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The families have not given consent for the video itself to be published.