Skip to main content
Tags: blaine holt | american hostages | israel | hamas | biden administration | negotiations

Blaine Holt to Newsmax: Iran Set the Price for Hostages

By    |   Wednesday, 29 November 2023 04:03 PM EST

Hamas is going to detain American hostages because of the premium they command for negotiations and the Biden administration is to blame for that, retired Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt told Newsmax on Wednesday.

"You've got an administration that when they finally kicked and screamed and got their way and got this cease-fire — and we certainly don't begrudge one hostage coming out; that's wonderful news — but when they got their way, they didn't place American hostages in any kind of priority ... So for all their efforts we still have American hostages held down," Holt told Newsmax's "American Agenda."

"The reason is because not a month and a half ago we set a precedent with Iran by paying $1.2 billion a person. This is all an Iranian-led op from the get-go, and nobody should ... shy away from that fact.

"What Hamas is going to do for their survival is they're very likely to hold on to the Americans for as long as they can because of the premium that they command in terms of negotiable leverage. And they know that the order is out for their necks, that they're going to be done, so says Israel. So what better way to prolong Hamas is alive and survive if you've got Americans to negotiate with for when we just proved what the going rate would be," he added.

The United States waived sanctions to allow the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds from South Korea to Qatar, a step needed to carry out a previously announced U.S.-Iran prisoner swap, according to a U.S. document seen by Reuters on Monday.

The broad outlines of the U.S.-Iran deal under which five U.S. citizens detained by Iran would be allowed to leave in exchange for the transfer of the funds and the release of five Iranians held in the United States were made public on Aug. 10.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

  • Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
  • Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE -- See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com

Solange Reyner

Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.

© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


Newsmax-Tv
Hamas is going to detain American hostages because of the premium they command for negotiations and the Biden administration is to blame for that, retired Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt told Newsmax Wednesday.
blaine holt, american hostages, israel, hamas, biden administration, negotiations
372
2023-03-29
Wednesday, 29 November 2023 04:03 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved