Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar has stated that despite the challenges, Israel is making the right choice by proceeding with the deal to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. Bar acknowledged that releasing terrorists is difficult, but emphasized that Israel is a strong country and should go ahead with the deal. He also warned that the release of terrorists is expected to increase the motivation for attacks in the West Bank. The right-wing party Otzma Yehudit has criticized the deal, calling it a surrender to Hamas and announcing their resignation from the government.