A new rift between the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallad, is triggered by the announcement of the six dead hostages from Gaza.

In a statement, the Israeli Defense Minister says that “the cabinet must convene immediately and revoke the decision taken on Thursday. It is too late for the hostages who were murdered in cold blood. We must bring back the hostages still held by Hamas. The State of Israel will pursue all Hamas leaders and murderers.”

According to Israeli press reports, Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Yoav Gallad on Thursday that he prioritized his stance to keep Israeli troops in the Philadelphia Corridor over saving the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

His intention was reportedly communicated to the defense minister by the Israeli prime minister during a security cabinet meeting on Thursday night, during which Netanyahu asked the top cabinet to approve a series of maps drawn up by Israeli forces, the which show how Israel intends to keep its troops in the Philadelphia Corridor during the first phase of the six-week ceasefire.

It was the latest evidence of a rift between Netanyahu and security officials. Gallant and security chiefs have repeatedly called on Netanyahu to compromise in the negotiations, particularly on the Philadelphia Corridor, fearing that the prime minister’s hard-line positions are ruining the prospect of a deal.

Netanyahu: “Anyone who murders hostages does not want an agreement”

Earlier and hours late after announcing the identification of bodies recovered from Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not rest until it arrests those responsible for the killing of six hostages.

Netanyahu, in his statement, said that the Israel pledged to reach an agreement to release the hostages and ensure Israel’s security.

“Anyone who murders hostages does not want a deal,” Netanyahu said.

Since December, Hamas has refused to hold real negotiations. Three months ago, on May 27, Israel agreed to a hostage release deal with the full support of the United States. Hamas refused. Even after the United States updated the framework of the agreement on August 16, we agreed and Hamas refused again,” Netanyahu said — arguing that even now, “while Israel is conducting intensive negotiations with mediators in a supreme effort to reach an agreement , Hamas continues to strongly reject any offer.”