After negotiations reached an impasse and Israel’s proposal for a hostage deal was rejected, the Security Cabinet will convene this evening (Tuesday) to discuss expanding the military campaign in the Gaza Strip. One of the questions expected to be raised is whether to set a final deadline for Hamas, establishing a last date for negotiations.
Intensified fighting
There are differences of opinion among cabinet members regarding how to proceed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz support gradually increasing military pressure in order to allow talks to continue and potentially reach a hostage deal. Opposing them is Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is calling for a significantly intensified military offensive aimed at collapsing Hamas rule, in line with the stated goal of the war.
Rejection of the Israeli proposal
Officials in the diplomatic arena had assessed that the renewal of fighting in Gaza and the suspension of humanitarian aid would pressure Hamas into accepting a framework for the release of hostages. However, to date, Hamas has rejected the proposal to release half of the living hostages and dismantle its military capabilities, instead accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging the plan. In a statement Saturday night, the prime minister declared: “If we surrender to Hamas’s demands now, all our major achievements will be lost.”
Seven-year ceasefire
Meanwhile, the British BBC network reported last night that Egypt and Qatar have submitted a new proposal for a hostage deal. According to the plan, Hamas would release all hostages in its custody, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners, and both sides would enter a ceasefire lasting five to seven years.
A senior Palestinian official interviewed by the network said Hamas had expressed willingness to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to any Palestinian entity agreed upon at the regional level. He noted that this could include the Palestinian Authority—an option Netanyahu has rejected for any future role in Gaza.
