Israeli negotiators in Qatar are exploring both a short -term design for a ceasefire and a wider agreement to complete the conflict in Gaza, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Statament 18 May 18.
“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, even at this hour, the Neargating Team in Doha is working to exhaust all the possibilities of the agreement – whether according to Witkoff’s outline or as part of the war, which would include the release of all hostages, Hamas terrorists and disarmament,”
The link to the “Witkoff outline” shows Steve Witkoff on the proposal. Reportedly, it assumes a gradual approach starting with a temporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, followed by mutual measures such as the release of Palestinian security prisoners and continued conversations aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire.
Shift from the previous attitude
Until now, Netanyahu has rejected any permanent ceasefire that does not interfere with Hamas’s military and ruling abilities. His previous attitude allowed only a limited break for about 45 days, depending on the release of about 10 hostages.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that any final agreement must meet the long -term war targets of Israel: “The release of all hostages, Hamas terrorists and disarmament of the Gaza zone.” The statement also attributed Netanyahu’s combined “military and diplomatic pressure” strategy for ensuring that it had already secured the return of 197 hostages.
“The government is doing everything possible to return the remaining prisoners of 58,” he added.
The agreement within the control coalition was not unanimous. The Minister of National Security ITAMAR Ben-Gvir rejected the idea of the end of the war that does not lead to Hamas’s defeat. “The framework to end the war without the defeat of Hamas – does not run and does not happen,” he wrote on the X -Social Media platform.
The framework for ending the war without the defeat of Hamas – does not run and does not happen.
(Tagstotranslate) Netanyahu
