Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warns that foreign pressure on Israel is hardening Hamas’s stance, sabotaging ceasefire talks, and pushing a dangerous agenda for a Hamas-run Palestinian state.
JERUSALEM — Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar issued a blistering warning to the global community on Tuesday, accusing world powers of strengthening Hamas and undermining chances for a hostage deal and ceasefire.
Speaking before international media, Sa’ar declared:
“The international pressure on Israel during critical days in the negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal has already caused Hamas to harden its position. This pressure is directly sabotaging the chances for a ceasefire and hostage deal.”
A ‘Distorted Campaign’ That Fuels Antisemitism
Sa’ar opened with a fierce condemnation of what he called a “distorted campaign of international pressure” against Israel, claiming it emboldens Hamas and fuels a global wave of antisemitism.
“Calls to end the war while Hamas remains in power would be a tragedy for both Israelis and Palestinians,” he said.
On Hamas’s hostage-taking strategy, he was blunt:
“This is why they took the hostages in the first place: to impose their will on Israel. It ain’t gonna happen. No matter how much pressure is put on Israel.”
Rejects a Hamas-Led Palestinian State
Sa’ar warned that any move to establish a Palestinian state under current conditions would simply hand power to Hamas:
“Establishing a Palestinian state today is establishing a Hamas state. A Jihadist state. It ain’t gonna happen.”
He also suggested that domestic political pressures in European nations with large Muslim populations were shaping policies hostile to Israel:
“We are aware that some European countries have huge Muslim populations. Sometimes it affects their governments’ policies. But this will not lead Israel to commit suicide.”
‘We Will Not Be Czechoslovakia’
Drawing a stark historical analogy, Sa’ar said:
“Israel will not be the Czechoslovakia of the 21st century. We won’t sacrifice our own existence for appeasement.”
He accused some governments of putting internal politics above Israel’s survival:
“We won’t give up our basic interests for the sake of countries that have lost control over their own streets — yet still presume to decide for us what’s good for our security.”
Thanks to Allies, Warning to Critics
Sa’ar expressed gratitude to the United States — and to former President Donald Trump — for their unwavering support.
“Diplomatic pressure will not change our policy. No external force will cause Israel to sacrifice its security.”
Redirect Pressure Where It Belongs
The Foreign Minister called for international pressure to be aimed squarely at Hamas:
“Anyone worried about the humanitarian situation should ask: Who is responsible for the suffering in Gaza? The answer is simple — Hamas.”
He closed with a clear indictment:
“Hamas refuses to release the hostages. Hamas refuses to disarm. Hamas alone is responsible for the continuation of this war.”
