Israeli Channel 13 reported that estimates suggest the announcement of the end of the war in its current form will take place within 10 days. After that, the Israeli army will transition to the third phase of the war, and negotiations for a settlement on the northern border with Lebanon will begin. The channel quoted an official stating that "the war will not end. We will act wherever there is intelligence information about Hamas activity."
The Israeli official further told Channel 13 that activity in Gaza will continue through airstrikes and raids. Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation cited Israeli security officials saying that the "post-war" plans for Gaza are ready and awaiting approval.
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a discussion on Saturday evening with senior Israeli military officials in the southern command regarding the end of operations in Rafah. Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant conducted an assessment of the situation in Rafah with Brigade Commander Itzik Cohen and field commanders of the combat brigades.
In a conversation with operational leaders in Rafah, Galant stated, "The results are extremely impressive. The fighting here in Rafah is something very significant, as we are effectively closing Hamas's airspace – the Rafah crossing and the tunnels." He added, "The outcome is that they have nowhere. They have no place to arm themselves, no place to prepare, no means to bring reinforcements, and no way to care for their casualties, and we see that very well."
The Israeli minister continued: "Their fighting spirit has been shattered, and time is actually working against them. Contrary to some stories about people in the tunnels," noting that Hamas leaders are "screaming," but the movement is "practically eroding."
