Knesset Member Ami Ayalon (Labor) has argued that Israel cannot beat Hamas without diplomacy. Speaking in a radio interview, he said, "Despite everything that is being done militarily, we will not defeat Hamas and will not weaken it without completing diplomatic negotiations."

He argued that weakening Hamas militarily only would strengthen the terrorist organization ideologically. MK Ayalon said in a Security Cabinet meeting Monday, "If we are talking with Hamas about [kidnapped IDF soldier] Gilad Shalit, then why should we not talk about a ceasefire?"