From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Shas chair Deri says Israel willing to pay ‘heavy price’ for hostage deal, but only if Hamas leaders exiled, Gaza demilitarized
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
In an interview with his ultra-Orthodox party’s HaDerech newspaper, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri says that Israel is ready to agree to a “comprehensive deal” to release all of the hostages, “even if it means paying a heavy price.”
But, he says, this will only happen if Hamas agrees to “the complete demilitarization of the [Gaza] Strip, the expulsion of all Hamas senior officials and commanders…and the establishment of another government that will be agreed upon in advance.”
However, Hamas has rejected such terms, he states.
“It’s been more than a month since we completely stopped aid to Gaza, and we have no intention of renewing it,” he continues, adding that “nothing is entering the Strip.”
Once the public begins to feel the pressure of shortages, “Hamas will be forced to face the painful and frustrated population, which will understand very well who is to blame for its situation,” he says.
The Times of Israel Community.