Already in late 2024, the Shin Bet warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that the latter's statements regarding security prisoners were endangering the hostages, but nothing was done about it. The warning was delivered personally to Netanyahu at the end of 2024, and later personally to Ben-Gvir as well. As far as is known, Netanyahu did not order Ben-Gvir to cease making public statements on the issue. Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar recommended considering publishing a statement that would cool down the threats provided by the minister, but he refused, and the prime minister did not intervene in the matter.