Israel’s Next Steps: Hostage Dilemma, Gaza Strategy, and the Iranian Threat – i24NEWS Interview

Miri analyzes Israel’s evolving military and political strategy regarding Gaza and the ongoing hostage crisis. She explains that the upcoming Operation Gideon's Chariot marks a shift: the IDF intends to conquer and hold territory in Gaza, not just carry out operations and withdraw, as in the past year and seven months. The objective is dual—bringing the hostages home while dealing a decisive blow to Hamas, but Miri notes the uncertainty of whether these new tactics will succeed. Addressing fears voiced by hostage families, Miri stresses her deep skepticism towards Hamas as a negotiation partner and argues for doing all possible to bring the hostages home while denying Hamas any perception of victory or legitimacy. She comments on internal Israeli political divisions, clarifying that controversial statements about permanent occupation from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reflect individual party politics, not official cabinet or majority public positions. Shifting focus to regional threats, Miri discusses the ongoing Houthi attacks, noting that while Israel intercepts most missiles, the statistical risk always remains. She underlines Iran’s central role in arming the Houthis and urges the international community not to overlook Tehran’s responsibility. Finally, Miri addresses the unresolved Iran nuclear talks, stating that the possibility of an Israeli strike remains on the table if diplomacy fails, but emphasizing that the threat of a nuclear Iran is a global—not just Israeli—concern.