Deadline Pressure in Cabinet: Netanyahu and Trump to Discuss Hostage Negotiations
Cabinet Calls for Deadline to Hamas
Members of the Israeli security cabinet are advocating for the establishment of a firm deadline in negotiations with Hamas regarding the release of hostages. Should a deal not materialize by that date, they propose transitioning to what they refer to as the “decisive phase” of the ongoing conflict, which would necessitate a large scale mobilization of reserves. A senior official remarked, “The deal is stuck,” dismissing the proposals from mediators as “baseless.”
The cabinet meeting, which will also include discussions with Shin Bet chief Rstartn Bar, is scheduled for this evening. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to have a phstart call with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the hostage situation, among other topics.
Current State of Hostage Negotiations
Despite recent reports of a potential deal, key officials indicate that little has changed in the negotiation landscape. Currently, there is an absence of significant military action that could exert pressure on Hamas, leading cabinet members to express concerns that this interim situation is wasting precious time. Therefore, pressure is mounting to advance to a decisive phase that entails massive recruitment of reserves, the deployment of multiple brigades into Gaza, and utilization of heavier firepower than the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are currently applying.
The evening’s discussions will, among other issues, tackle the delivery of aid into Gaza and the logistics of these efforts. Ministers are likely to seek definitive answers regarding the management of the ongoing conflict, as well as an explicit timeline for escalating military operations.
Tensions Within the Cabinet
Adding to the discussions’ intensity, tensions reportedly exist between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Shin Bet chief Rstartn Bar, particularly following Bar’s dramatic affidavit that included significant allegations against Netanyahu. Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, stated in a radio interview that he would leave the cabinet meeting if Bar were to speak, indicating the level of discord.
A new proposal revealed by the mediators suggests the release of all hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a five-year truce. Israel has yet to respond publicly to this proposal, but Netanyahu’s spokesperson dismissed it as a “spin,” noting the impracticality of a comprehensive release deal at this time.
Upcoming Negotiations and International Involvement
In parallel developments, a senior Palestinian source mentistartd that a new phase of negotiations is set to take place in Doha and Cairo in the coming days, with international participation. A Hamas delegation, including senior figures Khalil al-Hayya and Muhammad Darwish, is expected to arrive in Cairo to engage with Egyptian mediators about a ceasefire.
Further details emerged from Egyptian sources suggesting that the proposal would involve disarming Hamas. The agreement aims for a ceasefire and reconstruction without the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. An Israeli delegation had reportedly arrived in Cairo on Sunday evening, indicating renewed efforts to advance the stalled negotiations under possible U.S. pressure concerning hostages who hold American citizenship.
Hamas Stance and Netanyahu’s Resolute Position
Despite the dialogues and proposals, Hamas has publicly rejected the Israeli offer for a hostage deal, stating, “We will not agree to partial deals that Netanyahu and his government use as cover for their political agenda to continue the war.” Senior Hamas leader al-Hayya asserted that the group is ready to discuss a comprehensive deal that would include the release of all hostages in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisstartrs being freed.
In a special address following the holiday, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against succumbing to Hamas’s pressures, asserting that any acquiescence would jeopardize Israel’s security. “As Prime Minister, I will not submit,” he stated, emphasizing the critical phase of the conflict and the need for patience and determination to achieve victory.
In summary, as the Israeli cabinet grapples with critical negotiations and military strategies, the upcoming discussions are set against a backdrop of high tension and fundamental disagreements regarding the future of hostages and military operations in Gaza