The White House is vocally defending its diplomatic effort with Egypt and Qatar to restart talks on a hostage deal between Israel and Palestinian militants in Hamas, calling it the “right deal at the right time” while slamming skeptics in the region.
The U.S. and its Arab partners urged parties to restart talks on Aug. 15 in Cairo or Doha. Israel agreed to send negotiators, though National Security Council spokesman John Kirby lambasted critics of the push, saying their voices were counterproductive and harmful to the hostages.
Mr. Kirby took particular aim at Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who labeled the emerging deal a “trap” and form of capitulation.
“I just want to underscore how wrong this is,” Mr. Kirby said, adding the potential deal “fully protects” Israel’s defense interests.
“It’s the right deal at the right time,” Mr. Kirby said. “It will save lives.”
He said swapping innocent civilians for prisoners who are bad actors is sometimes a necessary move to bring good people home.
“There’s no surrender in that,” Mr. Kirby said.
Pressed on why he criticized Mr. Smotrich so directly, Mr. Kirby said the media should ask Mr. Smotrich why he put out an “outrageous and absurd” statement.
Hamas took hostages during deadly raids on southern Israel last Oct. 7, leading to an aggressive military reprisal by Israel on Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Tensions have spiraled, including between Israel and Lebanese militants, triggering fears Tehran will take a bigger role in the violence.
Recent assassinations of leaders of Hezbollah, a Lebanese terrorist group, and Hamas, a Palestinian group, have raised tensions.
Israel and its allies are bracing for Iran-backed reprisals over the killings even as they negotiate a high-stakes deal on hostages in Gaza.
“Every passing day is one more day that these hostages are in increasing danger,” Mr. Kirby said. “There is a sense of urgency here.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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