Efforts made by mediating countries have yet to overcome the obstacles to a truce agreement between the Israeli army and Hamas that would halt the war in Gaza, with both parties sticking to their positions. In the latest developments, informed sources revealed to the newspaper "Haaretz" that discussions took place during a security cabinet meeting in Israel on Thursday.
During these discussions, Mossad chief David Barnea supported one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main demands in the negotiations. According to these sources, Barnea pointed out to ministers that Netanyahu's demand to retain the right for the Israeli army to resume fighting after the completion of the first phase of any deal would give Israel significant leverage to ensure that Hamas does not change the identity of the prisoners it intends to release, and also to proceed with the second phase of the prisoner release.
In turn, the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported that Barnea stated that without Netanyahu's principles, the prisoners would not be returned, and therefore military pressure in Gaza must be doubled. He said, "Without the terms set by Netanyahu, which he insists upon, we will not be able to renew the war, we will not win, and we will not get the prisoners back; this is necessary for the interests of the state."
During the meeting, Barnea updated ministers on the developments in the negotiations, noting that the intensive operations conducted by the Israeli army in Gaza aid in moving the negotiations forward. He believed that the approach of resuming military actions may lead to the return of prisoners and male soldiers who were not included in the first phase of the deal.
On Thursday, Netanyahu stated that he remains committed to the framework for a ceasefire in Gaza being negotiated, accusing Hamas of presenting demands that contradict it. He added in a speech, "I am committed to the framework agreement for the release of our prisoners, but the murderers of Hamas are sticking to demands that contradict it and endanger Israel."
He announced that the retention of Israeli control over the border area between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to prevent "weapons smuggling to Hamas" is one of the conditions for a ceasefire with the movement.
In his conference, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that his administration is making "progress" towards reaching an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza. He said, "I am determined to finalize this agreement and put an end to this war that must end now, and there should be no Israeli occupation of the territory afterward."
