Following the completion of the first phase of the hostage deal with Hamas, an interview published this morning (Friday) in Maariv with Dr. Shay Har-Zvi – a senior researcher at the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University and former acting director-general of the Ministry of Strategic Affairs – analyzed the Trump administration’s policy going forward.
According to Dr. Har-Zvi, President Trump seeks a comprehensive deal that would secure the return of all hostages in a single phase. However, he acknowledges that this goal is currently unachievable due to significant gaps between Israel and Hamas: “The Trump administration fully shares the Israeli government’s position that Hamas cannot remain in power in Gaza. This is a red line for President Trump, which he reiterates time and again. It also appears that the administration agrees with Israel that the evacuation of the Philadelphi Corridor cannot begin at this stage, partly because it serves as an important pressure tool against Hamas that may force them to compromise.”
The Main Goal: Normalization with Saudi Arabia
With the first phase of the deal completed and questions surrounding the ceasefire’s continuation, Dr. Har-Zvi noted that the Trump administration is looking for more realistic objectives to prevent renewed fighting. He believes that the administration supports the formation of a partial agreement that would allow for the continuation of negotiations and additional hostage releases in the coming weeks.
After the hostage release, Dr. Har-Zvi explains that Trump’s ultimate goal is advancing normalization with Saudi Arabia, which he views as a historic step capable of reshaping the Middle East. According to Har-Zvi, the deal aims to deepen regional cooperation against Iran, and to create the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (known as the IMEC). The economic corridor is a proposed route from India to Europe through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Greece.
Har-Zvi emphasizes that the U.S. administration understands that advancing such an agreement requires ending the war in Gaza. Therefore, it is working to formulate a framework that will secure the release of the hostages, bring an end to the fighting, and lead to the removal of Hamas from power. “This is a historic agreement that will completely change the Middle Eastern landscape, strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and Arab states against Iran, and establish the IMEC, a revolutionary economic corridor. Yet the Trump administration is fully aware that a crucial condition for this to happen is ending the war in Gaza,”
The U.S. Administration’s Perspective Regarding Gaza’s Civilian Evacuation
Regarding the evacuation of Gaza’s residents, Dr. Har-Zvi noted that the U.S. administration recognizes that this vision is not feasible in the near future, due to the firm opposition of Arab countries, led by Egypt and Jordan. He cited special envoy Witkoff, who clarified that Trump’s remarks on the issue were misrepresented and that his intention was to spark discussion and explore new solutions.
Therefore, according to Dr. Har-Zvi, the U.S. hopes for increased Arab involvement in shaping Gaza’s future post-Hamas rule. “The upcoming Arab summit in Cairo could play a crucial role in promoting a regional initiative supporting Gaza’s demilitarization and economic rehabilitation,” he emphasized.
Dr. Har-Zvi concluded that despite the gaps between Israel and Hamas, Israel must fully cooperate with the Trump administration to ensure the continued process of hostage releases, stating: “The highest priority is to reach a new agreement for the release of all hostages in a single phase, as a moral, ethical, and national duty toward them and the citizens of Israel.”
Israeli Delegation Departs for Cairo
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced yesterday that an Israeli delegation traveled to Cairo to discuss a new hostage deal. According to reports, Israel aims to secure the release of live hostages as early as this Saturday.
Shortly after the announcement from Netanyahu’s office, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar commented: “Our delegation is heading to Cairo to assess whether there is common ground to extend the framework in exchange for the return of more hostages.”
The Trump administration remains committed to a comprehensive strategy that secures the release of hostages, ends the conflict in Gaza, and ensures long-term regional stability. As diplomatic efforts continue, achieving these goals will require coordinated international action and firm leadership.
