The profound joy that rippled through Israel on Sunday with the release of Doron Steinbrecher, Emily Damari, and Romi Gonen from captivity under Hamas conveyed an unmistakable message to the nation’s leadership and defense forces: every captive must be brought home, particularly those still alive.

Leaving this mission incomplete would inflict a deep and lasting scar on Israel’s social fabric and shared morale. No military campaign can be deemed a success, and the country’s security will remain fragile, unless every hostage is returned. This is true even in light of the recognized dangers, such as the substantial cost of freeing numerous convicted terrorists.

Israel must now gear up for the next phase of negotiations, which could potentially pave the way for a longer-term cease-fire. At the same time, the country must ensure that militant jihadist groups are not permitted to maintain a foothold in Gaza. It is equally vital to understand that Hamas is not a foreign religious force imposed upon Gaza’s population but rather a natural organizational expression of the majority of Gaza’s residents, numbering over two million. Hamas and Gaza are inextricably linked—culturally, ideologically, and politically.

To protect Israeli citizens, especially those living in the western Negev, Israel needs to articulate clear, practical conditions to end the violence. Lofty phrases like “toppling Hamas” or “total victory” are rhetorical ideals fit for literary works but fall short as actionable goals for a government contending with an entrenched ideological enemy.

While it may not be feasible for Israel to eliminate every member of Hamas or forcibly remove its leadership, there are critical demands that must be pursued. These include the demilitarization of Gaza, involving the elimination of all terrorist infrastructure such as tunnels, rocket launchers, mortars, and explosive devices. If no international organization steps up to enforce these terms, the IDF will need to take on this responsibility, even if it requires extended operations lasting over a year.

Another key demand should focus on the removal of Hamas from governing Gaza. Interestingly, this might not require significant intervention by Israel, as Hamas itself has repeatedly expressed a desire to avoid the responsibilities of civilian governance. The group appears to prefer operating as an armed political organization, akin to Hezbollah in Lebanon. In this capacity, Hamas could continue its activities as a “resistance” movement while avoiding the burden of addressing the needs of Gaza’s population. Israel should welcome Hamas stepping back from governance but must firmly reject any arrangement that permits the group to retain its weapons under silent international approval.

These two objectives—Gaza’s demilitarization and Hamas relinquishing its governing role—should serve as the foundation for Israel’s strategy in the next phase of discussions. These conditions are likely to garner backing from the U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump, as well as from the broader international community. It would be unreasonable for any party to oppose Israel’s call for a demilitarized Gaza.

Following the dramatic and emotional anticipation leading up to the release of Steinbrecher, Damari, and Gonen, Israel must also insist that future exchanges of hostages occur without public fanfare. Hamas turned the release of the three women into a staged spectacle, using the event as an opportunity to project power. The poorly organized gathering in Gaza City, which featured only a small number of armed men, created unnecessary risks for the Israeli captives. Israel should demand that mediators, such as the Red Cross, ensure that future transfers take place in secure and private locations, far from volatile crowds.

In this moment of celebration, it is important to acknowledge the individuals whose efforts made the hostages’ return possible. The courageous operations of IDF soldiers compelled Hamas to accept the compromise that led to their release.

Equally vital were the efforts of those working behind the scenes. Shin Bet and Mossad operatives, under the leadership of figures like Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, played pivotal roles. Barnea succeeded in persuading the political echelon to embrace the compromise, while Bar’s team provided crucial intelligence. Additionally, Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon’s meticulous efforts ensured not only the safe return of the captives but also prevented the loss of many lives during the combat phase. These unsung heroes deserve the nation’s deepest appreciation for their selfless service.

{Matzav.com Israel}