Chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee, MK Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party, addressed the ongoing war in Gaza and the possibility of a deal with Hamas during an interview Monday morning on Kol Berama Radio.
Rothman spoke about the recently released videos of hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, calling them “Hamas propaganda” intended to demoralize Israeli society. “It’s a grave mistake to watch or broadcast these videos,” he said. “I won’t volunteer to let Hamas’s psychological missile enter my eyes and heart.”
While acknowledging that some believe the videos hold explanatory value, Rothman said any such use should be directed outward, as part of international advocacy, rather than within Israeli society. “One headline in Haaretz or one letter from a famous author fuels Hamas’s narrative more than thousands of fuel trucks,” he said.
“Even asking whether Hamas is interested in a deal is already a defeat,” Rothman stated. “Hamas shouldn’t have a say - it simply shouldn’t exist.”
He emphasized that Israel’s primary objective should be the complete elimination of Hamas. “It’s not that complicated,” he said. “We are at war to ensure that events like October 7 never happen again. If a terrorist organization like Hamas sees that it can gain achievements, we won’t be able to survive here.”
Hostage Families Forum slam Rothman's comments
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum slammed Rothman's statements and urged for the return of their loved ones in a deal.
"With your own words, you demonstrate the heartlessness of both yourself and the government you are part of. Any sane and reasonable person who saw the condition of the hostages understands they must be brought home now," the statement read.
"Unlike you, who chooses to shut your eyes and ignore reality, the people of Israel looked Evyatar and Rom in the eyes—and the overwhelming majority demands the return of all 50 hostages and the cessation of the fighting."
"Shame on you. Apologize for your words: Our hostages are not ballistic missiles from the enemy to be defended against! They are our own. They are our brothers and sisters. They are Israeli citizens who were kidnapped from Israeli soil. They are flesh of our flesh."
Government's upcoming vote to fire A-G Gali Baharav-Miara
Rothman also commented on the government’s expected decision to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, asserting that the very fact that the court is discussing the matter constitutes “a loss of governance and democracy.” He argued that the Israeli government deserves the same right to legal representation as any criminal defendant.
He reiterated his support for splitting the role of attorney general and stressed the need to immediately appoint a replacement for Baharav-Miara. “The government cannot remain in a vacuum. Action is needed — not just dismissal, but also naming a suitable successor.”
Finally, Rothman expressed concern over the potential fallout from the coalition crisis regarding the ultra-Orthodox draft. He stressed that alongside the legal aspects and the management of the war, it is vital to maintain government stability in order to retain control over the critical decisions currently on the table.