Report: Lauder Lobbied for Barghouti Release, Netanyahu Said No

JERUSALEM — World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder privately lobbied for the release of Palestinian security prisoner Marwan Barghouti during final negotiations for the Gaza hostage deal, Times of Israel reports. Lauder offered to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to advocate for including Barghouti among the 250 prisoners slated for release in exchange for 48 hostages held by Hamas.

The plan was rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office amid strong opposition from cabinet ministers. Barghouti, 66, is serving five life sentences for orchestrating terror attacks during the Second Intifada that killed five Israelis. Despite widespread international attention and calls for his release, including from Egypt, Qatar, and former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon, Israel used one of its vetoes to block Barghouti from the deal.

Lauder’s efforts reportedly included proposals to exile Barghouti abroad or frame his release as a gesture to Saudi Arabia or other Arab states. Barghouti, the former Fatah secretary-general and a popular figure across Palestinian factions, has expressed support for armed resistance against Israeli occupation while also advocating a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.

Sources told Times of Israel that Hamas had insisted on Barghouti’s release, but Israeli officials determined it could not derail the ceasefire over one individual. Barghouti was briefly seen in August after years in solitary confinement, following a video leak from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s office.

Barghouti’s lawyer has alleged mistreatment by prison guards, which Israeli authorities have denied. Lauder and Netanyahu’s office declined to comment.