Israel Signals Willingness for Concessions in Hostage Negotiations but Rules Out a Ceasefire

In a pivotal development ahead of the war cabinet's discussion on the Egyptian proposal for hostage negotiations, Israel expresses readiness for significant concessions while firmly rejecting the possibility of a ceasefire.

Hamas demands an end to the conflict as a precondition for further hostage deals, a condition Israel refuses to entertain. The political elite underscores their willingness to make concessions for hostage releases, even if it means a temporary lull in fighting. However, the overarching goal remains the overthrow of Hamas rule.

Transition to the next phase of the war, anticipated within weeks, focuses on gaining operational control in the northern Gaza Strip. The military aims to disrupt Hamas brigades' orderly functioning, estimating operational control in the area in a matter of days or slightly over a week. The south of the Gaza Strip presents a more complex scenario, with Israel expressing a desire to eliminate at least one Hamas leader before moving to the next phase.

Contrary to claims of reduced Air Force activities due to international pressure, officials assert that operational considerations guide IDF's actions. The decreased scope of the Air Force's operations is attributed to ensuring societal and economic resilience throughout the war. Political leaders emphasize the need for long-term planning, anticipating changes in military service structures and the expectation that reservists will engage in at least one month of operational activity per year.

The release of reservists is deemed crucial for their reintegration into the economy and private businesses, while plans for sustained military capacity over the next year or two are on the agenda.