Politicians and ministers from both the coalition and opposition commended the Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, which took place on Tuesday, while some voiced concern for the future of hostage-ceasefire negotiations.
The Hamas leaders targeted were responsible for the October 7, 2023, massacre of around 1,200 Israelis in the country's South, as well as managing the terror group's operations for years before that, the IDF stated.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) posted, “We made a correct decision, and it was a flawless execution by the IDF and the Shin Bet."
“Terrorists have no immunity, nor will they ever have immunity, from the long arm of Israel anywhere in the world," he also wrote in the post.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the strike a historic decision. "Jewish blood is no longer forsaken," he stated.
“The decision we made to strike those who brought upon us the October 7 massacre is yet another historic decision among the many important and historic ones we have taken,” Ben-Gvir wrote.
Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat (Likud) stated, “There is justice, and there is a judge,” in response to the Israeli strike.
Opposition MKs react
Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) said he commended the Israel Air Force, IDF, and Shin Bet “for an exceptional operation to thwart our enemies.”
However, Lapid later asked for clarification from the government on “how the IDF operation will not lead to the deaths of the hostages, and whether the risk to the hostages’ lives was taken into account in the decision regarding the operation.”
Blue and White Party head MK Benny Gantz stated that he commends "the political leadership for the decision to carry out the targeted strike, and the IDF, Shin Bet, and all the security bodies for executing the operation.”
“The most important thing now: not to miss opportunities. To leverage the achievements of our fighters to bring back all the hostages and to replace Hamas’ rule in Gaza,” Gantz continued.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said, "This is what should be done to the accursed Hamas murderers who massacred, burned, and raped our daughters and sons.”
President Isaac Herzog called Israel's decision to strike " important and correct."
Regarding hostage deal negotiations, Herzog added that "Hamas’s terror leadership repeatedly obstructs proposals for the release of the hostages."
"Against such terror and absolute evil, it is necessary to fight with determination and boldness to achieve, first and foremost, the release of the hostages and to create a better future for us and our neighbors, Herzog continued.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar slammed Spain for condemning the Israeli strike, saying that it reflected "true partnership" between the country and Hamas.