Haim Ramon Slams Hamas Deal as “Worst of All Worlds,” Urges Netanyahu to Demand Full Hostage Release
In a forceful op-ed published in Maariv, former Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon sharply criticized the proposed agreement with Hamas—widely known as the “Witkoff Outline”—calling it “the worst of all worlds” and warning it would leave Israel with an unfinished war and unresolved trauma.
According to Ramon, the deal under consideration would halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza while securing the release of only 10 living hostages, with another 10 remaining in Hamas custody and no firm timeline for their return. He argued this outcome would be a strategic and moral failure.
Ramon also addressed reports of U.S. President Donald Trump pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the deal and move toward ending the conflict. In response, he urged Netanyahu to stand firm and tell the U.S. that “Israel will only agree to end the war if Hamas releases all hostages—living and dead—within days.” He expressed hope that Trump would ultimately support such a stance.
“If Hamas agrees, it would mark a national healing and the restoration of dignity by securing the return of all hostages,” Ramon wrote. He added that such a development would also allow Israel to prepare for a renewed offensive in Gaza to dismantle what he called the “Hamastan state.”
If Hamas rejects the proposal, Ramon asserted, Netanyahu would gain both moral and political legitimacy to resume the war: “Even your critics will recognize that you went to every length to bring them home—and that Hamas is the one refusing.”
Ramon’s op-ed reflects growing debate in Israel over the future of the Gaza campaign and the ethical obligations tied to bringing home remaining hostages, as public pressure mounts ahead of any finalized agreement.
