Brig. Gen. Wiener told Erez Tadmor from "Im Tirzu" this morning: "It seemed that the pressure on Hamas was leading to a breakthrough and the achievement of an improved deal. In fact, Hamas, which was previously talking about 'nothing,' began to agree to eight or nine hostages.

But then Mohammed Sinwar (Yahya's brother and current Hamas leader), who apparently follows Israeli media religiously, saw the petitions and the calls to stop the war—and became convinced that all he needs to do is just hold out a little longer."

Erez: "How close do you think we were to a deal?"

Brig. Gen. Wiener: "We were already so close that Israel insisted on getting even more—just like Netanyahu did in the previous deal when he demanded and received additional terms. We were in that zone, and those who foolishly or maliciously pulled the rug out from under us were all those who, while claiming to represent the families of the hostages, are in fact trying to deny Netanyahu and the right-wing government any achievement."

Photo: Flash90