Herzog is expected to return to Israel later tonight. The unexpected and discreet meeting follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier statement today, confirming that Israeli negotiators in Doha are working toward a deal to secure the release of all hostages.
Netanyahu’s Conditions for a Deal
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Israel has outlined three core demands—whether under the Witkoff framework or as part of ending the war altogether: The release of all hostages, the expulsion of Hamas operatives from Gaza, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
The statement emphasized that had Netanyahu yielded to pressure from his critics, the outcome of the war would have been drastically different: “Hamas would have had time to rebuild, [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah and the entire Hezbollah leadership would still be alive with tens of thousands of missiles, [Syrian President Bashar] Assad would remain in power, and Iran would have suffered no significant damage.”
PMO: “No Earlier Deal Was Possible”
The Prime Minister’s Office also rejected claims that a deal could have been reached sooner, stating: “As confirmed repeatedly by senior U.S. officials, Hamas refused for months to enter into negotiations and was the sole obstacle to a deal.”
The statement concluded by asserting that Netanyahu’s policy of sustained military and diplomatic pressure had so far enabled the return of 197 hostages, adding: “The government is doing everything in its power to bring back the remaining 58.”
Report: Israel Offers 60-Day Ceasefire for Hostage Release
According to a report by Channel 13, Israel recently conveyed a proposal to Hamas that includes a 60-day ceasefire, immediate humanitarian aid upon signing, and withdrawal from territories seized during Operation “Strength and Sword.”
In exchange, Hamas would release 10 living hostages, and the remains of half of the deceased hostages, all on the same day. Israel reportedly insists it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor or Netzarim, but is open to discussing the end of the war during the ceasefire period.
Hamas’ Counterdemands
In contrast, the terrorist organization Hamas reportedly demanded that U.S. President Donald Trump announce the ceasefire and personally guarantee that Israel does not resume fighting after the release of the hostages. They are also insisting that mediator Witkoff himself sign the agreement and shake hands with Hamas senior official Khalil al-Hayya.
No Breakthrough Yet, Say Palestinian Sources
Sources within Hamas and other Palestinian factions told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday evening that talks are still ongoing, but warned that: “There is no real breakthrough to speak of.”
They said that “enormous and serious efforts” were being made by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to narrow the gaps between the parties—but success is far from guaranteed.
The sources one-sidedly concluded that: “No meaningful progress can be expected unless Israel shows a willingness to make concessions.”
