As negotiations intensify over a comprehensive hostage deal and a potential end to the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu delivered a televised statement on Motzaei Shabbos — his first public comments since talks entered a critical phase. Before his address, Netanyahu convened a private meeting with Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to discuss the unfolding situation.
Opening his remarks, Netanyahu declared, “We are on the verge of a very significant achievement,” explaining, “It is not yet final, but we are working diligently, and I hope that in the coming days, during the Sukkot holiday, we will be able to announce the return of all our hostages—both living and deceased—in a single phase, while the IDF remains in the depths of the Gaza Strip and in key controlling areas.”
The prime minister reflected on the skepticism that marked the early months of the war, saying, “At the start of the war, a senior official said, ‘I doubt we can even bring back a single living hostage.’ Throughout the war, some argued that we could not secure the release of all hostages without a full withdrawal from Gaza. I disagreed and acted differently.” He noted that 207 hostages have already been brought home and vowed to continue working until every last one is returned.
Netanyahu credited the progress to sustained military pressure and coordinated diplomacy. He said Hamas’s willingness to move forward “because of the enhanced military and political pressure we applied,” underscoring that close coordination with President Donald Trump and his team had fundamentally shifted Israel’s strategic standing and left Hamas increasingly cornered.
Explaining the first phase of the emerging deal, Netanyahu stated, “Hamas will release all our hostages, and IDF forces will redeploy to maintain control over all key areas in Gaza.” He dismissed reports that Hamas had previously offered to release hostages without Israeli withdrawal as “false,” and emphasized that Israel resisted both domestic and international efforts to force a premature ceasefire or capitulation.
Calling the operation historic, Netanyahu cited the IDF’s battlefield gains, including control over Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, the targeted elimination of Hamas leaders, and the weakening of Iran’s regional network. He expressed gratitude to President Trump for supporting Israel’s campaign, including “strikes on Iran,” which he said contributed directly to Israel’s success.
Looking ahead, Netanyahu said Minister Ron Dermer would head an Israeli delegation to Egypt to finalize the technical aspects of the hostage exchange. Both Israel and the U.S., he said, aim to wrap up the process within days. He added that Trump had warned Hamas not to delay.
Regarding the next stage, Netanyahu stated, “Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be demilitarized. This will happen either through the Trump plan diplomatically or by military means. It will be achieved, one way or another.”
Late Saturday night, President Trump called on Israel to temporarily halt strikes in Gaza, saying Hamas’s reaction to his plan suggested it was “ready for lasting peace.” In response, Netanyahu announced, “In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to implement immediately the first phase of the Trump plan for the immediate release of all hostages.” He affirmed that Israel would “continue working in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war according to principles set by Israel that align with President Trump’s vision.”
Soon after, Trump posted on Truth Social urging urgency from Hamas: “If Hamas does not act fast, all the cards will be on the table. I appreciate that Israel temporarily halted strikes to allow for the hostages’ release and a peace agreement. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again. Let’s get this done, fast. Everyone will be treated fairly.”
Hamas responded to Trump’s “20 Points” proposal by agreeing to release all hostages under the plan but sidestepped critical clauses regarding its disarmament. Trump hailed the move as a breakthrough and again called on Israel to cease airstrikes. By 3 a.m., a unilateral ceasefire had taken effect, and under Netanyahu’s orders, the IDF shifted from offensive operations to a defensive stance inside Gaza.
Sources later told Israeli media that Netanyahu was “surprised” by Trump’s public comments, triggering urgent late-night consultations. One Israeli official told CNN the prime minister was “doubly surprised,” explaining that Trump’s praise for Hamas’s partial response and his directive to halt airstrikes forced Israel to pause its offensive around Gaza City. Jerusalem had hoped to continue military pressure alongside negotiations, but Trump’s announcement limited its maneuvering room.
However, another senior Israeli diplomat insisted the move was coordinated with Washington. “Israel is not surprised,” the official said, explaining that while Jerusalem was deviating from its long-held principle of “negotiating only under fire,” the arrangement was unique. “We have never had a deal in which we receive all hostages, remain in Gaza and continue negotiations simultaneously.” He added that the ceasefire and Trump’s public statement were discussed in advance with Netanyahu and top U.S. officials, noting that the two leaders spoke directly before the announcement went out.
{Matzav.com Israel}
