“I hear the criticism. I understand it. But leadership must stand firm and make complex, often difficult decisions … with responsibility, determination and courage. That is how I act, and that is how I will continue to act, with a broad, long-term vision for the national interest of the State of Israel, even when it comes under criticism.”

With these words, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded a post on his Facebook page June 28. In it he explained why he could not include a commitment from Hamas to return from Gaza the bodies of two casualties from the 2014 Operation Protective Edge — Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin — in the agreement with Turkey.

Netanyahu raised the issue on the backdrop of the political storm that broke out ahead of the 10-member Security Cabinet’s vote on the agreement June 29. Within the Cabinet, HaBayit HaYehudi ministers Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked had announced that they would oppose the agreement, which they consider a surrender to terrorism. Similarly, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman made it clear that he has not changed his opinion on the matter and will oppose the agreement. They were joined by the families of the two soldiers, who have been pressuring members of the Security Cabinet not to support the agreement.

It was in this atmosphere that sources in the prime minister’s office attempted to relay a message to the public that they are afraid that the agreement will not be approved, even though at this stage it is quite clear that chances of the agreement being rejected are slim. As prime minister, Netanyahu has an extra vote in the Security Cabinet (two instead of one). Eventually, the agreement was approved, with three ministers out of 10 objecting.