Netanyahu Endorses Military Strategy for Gaza City and Initiates Hostage Negotiations

Military Strategy and Hostage Negotiations

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his approval of a military strategy aimed at taking control of Gaza City, while simultaneously directing the initiation of negotiations for the release of hostages. This announcement was made in a pre-recorded video outside the headquarters of the Israeli Defence Force's Gaza Division, where he was in discussions with defense officials, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Netanyahu stated, "I visited the Gaza Division to endorse the plans presented by the IDF and the defense minister for capturing Gaza City and defeating Hamas." He further emphasized the urgency of starting negotiations for the release of all hostages and for concluding the conflict under terms favorable to Israel.

This declaration followed Hamas's recent agreement to a ceasefire proposal, which included the release of half of the hostages and the commencement of discussions to end the conflict and secure the release of the remaining captives. Although this framework had received prior approval from Jerusalem, Netanyahu clarified that Israel would only consider halting military actions as part of a comprehensive agreement addressing all 50 remaining hostages. It remains uncertain if his latest remarks indicate a significant shift in the ongoing negotiations.

A spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office indicated that there were no immediate plans to send an Israeli delegation, although a senior official later mentioned that envoys would be dispatched once a location for the talks was established. It is also unclear whether Netanyahu's statements were coordinated with Arab mediators involved in the ongoing ceasefire discussions.

The proposal, advocated by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, would require the militant group to release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners. During this ceasefire, discussions would commence for a permanent resolution to the conflict and the release of the remaining 22 hostages. Israel had previously approved a similar framework but has yet to respond to this latest offer. Netanyahu has not dismissed the proposal, leaving the door open for both a negotiated resolution and potential military escalation.