Mossad Chief: We Reserve the Right to Resume Fighting in Gaza

Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea has supported one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main demands in negotiations related to a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," sources familiar with discussions during a meeting of Israel's Security Cabinet reported that Barnea told ministers that Netanyahu's demand to retain the Israeli army's right to resume fighting after the first phase of any agreement would give Israel significant leverage to ensure that Hamas does not change the identities of the hostages they plan to release, as well as to advance to the second phase of prisoner releases. During the meeting, Barnea briefed ministers on the developments in the negotiations, indicating that the intensive operations being carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza are helping to push the negotiations forward. He added that he supports the principle of resuming hostilities, believing that this approach could lead to the return of the hostages and male soldiers who were not included in the first phase of the deal. Barnea noted that resuming fighting would enhance Israel's negotiating position and ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon conditions in subsequent phases of the agreement.