Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told Knesset MPs on Monday that Israel is “closer than ever” to reaching an agreement with Hamas for the release of the captives held in Gaza.
Although Katz allegedly spoke to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee behind closed doors, the Hebrew press extensively reported on leaks of his statements.”Israel is closer than ever to another hostage deal,” Katz said.
Netanyahu stated that they have been working to bring back hostages home. “The less we talk about it, the better that way, with God’s help, we will succeed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trump has promised to use ‘extraordinary American firepower’ against captives in the Middle East if they are not freed by the time he takes office on January 20. Katz also forecasted that most of the coalition would support the proposed agreement and that internal challenges should not arise.
With promises from international mediators to “end the aggression and protect the Palestinian people,” the official told Asharq that Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza have put forth a “progressive and highly flexible position,” agreeing to a gradual end to the war and a phased IDF withdrawal based on a mutually agreed timeline.
“The US administration and Trump want a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible, perhaps before the end of the year and before Trump’s inauguration on January 20,” another source familiar with the negotiations told the Saudi outlet, adding that the terror groups are prepared for a hostage ceasefire deal, “but the problem lies with the occupying force.”
