'Israeli' cabinet to discuss partial deal, temporary ceasefire: Hebrew media
'Israeli' Diplomatic-Security Cabinet is expected to hold a critical and potentially contentious meeting Sunday evening to assess the future of the war in Gaza, 'Israel Hayom' reported.
According to the report, 'Israeli' Occupation Forces (IOF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is set to present updates on military operations, emphasizing that 'Israeli' forces now control nearly 75 percent of the Gaza Strip. Zamir's assessment will also focus on progress toward dismantling Hamas infrastructure through the army's multi-stage 'Gideon chariots' plan.
In light of the IOF's evaluation, the government earlier on Sunday approved the return of residents to 'Israeli' communities near Gaza that were evacuated after the October 7 event. The IOF claims there is no longer a security threat to prevent their return.
However, several senior officials have criticized the army's position, warning that Hamas still retains organized forces, commanders, and control over the civilian population in the Strip.
The debate reflects growing divisions within 'Israel's' leadership regarding the war's direction and timeline. Government sources cited by 'Israel' Hayom argue that despite battlefield gains, Hamas has not been defeated and the war's original objectives remain unmet.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is expected to oppose the continued flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, asserting it undermines 'Israel's' ability to pressure Hamas. National Missions and Settlements Minister Orit Strock is reportedly advocating for a 'humanitarian separation' within the territory as a strategy to defeat the group.
Despite increasing pressure, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insist that ending the war is not currently on the table. Instead, discussions are focused on a possible phased captive deal, known as the 'Witkoff framework', that would involve the partial release of captives followed by a temporary pause in fighting.
Minister Dermer is expected to travel to the US on Monday to explore terms for such a deal, particularly in light of recent comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting a ceasefire may be within reach.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
an hour ago
- Roya News
In lieu of defeating Hamas, Netanyahu elevates release of Gaza captives to top priority
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that his their "victory" over Iran in their 12-day war had created "opportunities", first including freeing captives held in Gaza. "Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages," Netanyahu said in an address to officers of the security services. "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals," he added. In a statement late Sunday, the main group representing the captives' families welcomed "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister". "This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza," the 'Hostages and Missing Families Forum' said. Palestinian armed groups seized 251 captives during the events of October 7, 2023. Of these, 49 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 27 the 'Israeli' military says are dead. Hamas also holds the body of an 'Israeli' soldier killed there in 2014. The forum called for the captives' "release, not rescue".
Ammon
3 hours ago
- Ammon
Occupation conducts military exercise on border with Jordan after completion of "Gilead" Division
Ammon News - The Israeli occupation army revealed that the newly established "Gilead 96" Division on the border with Jordan conducted its first large-scale military exercise last Thursday. The exercise simulates emergency scenarios and rapid response to escalating events to enhance combat readiness. Units from various security agencies participated and were supervised by specialized training centers, according to Ynet. The commander of the Israeli army's Central Command, Major General Avi Bluth, said that "the outbreak of war with Iran provided an opportune opportunity to accelerate the formation of the new division on the Jordanian border." The Israeli occupation army officially announced the completion of the formation of the "Gilead 96" Division along the eastern border with Jordan just 48 hours after the outbreak of the Iran-Israel war this month, although the division's operational launch had been planned for August. The acceleration of the division's establishment came in light of rapid regional developments. It was formed to bolster Israeli defenses on the eastern border, and is now responsible for securing the border with Jordan, Ynet added.
Ammon
3 hours ago
- Ammon
US pressure on Israel to end war in Gaza
Israel faces mounting US pressure to reach a deal to end the war, according to the Times of Israel. Arab mediators had been hoping that Israel would agree to send a delegation to Cairo during the meeting, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel. On Monday, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was set to meet in Washington with American officials to get on the same page with the US before another round of indirect talks in Cairo, the diplomat and a US official familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel. Dermer will face pressure from the Trump administration to end the war in Gaza, according to the sources. Remaining sticking points between the sides include Hamas's demand for a permanent end to the war — as opposed to Israel's efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire that leaves open the option for it to resume fighting. Hamas is also demanding, with the backing of the Arab mediators, a return to old mechanisms for distributing humanitarian aid, or the establishment of a new system to replace the current one managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
