Hebrew media reports indicate Netanyahu is ready for a hostage deal, even if he has to give up his government

Mediators have become despairing of the likelihood of reaching a hostage release agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leadership, but Netanyahu indicated his willingness to risk the collapse of his coalition government to facilitate the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

According to Ynet News, Netanyahu’s allies believe he is prepared to strike a deal. Although extreme right elements within his government have resisted proposed hostage agreements, he has reportedly reconciled with the possibility that accepting a ceasefire could lead to the dissolution of his coalition.

While mediators have struggled to craft a proposal acceptable to both Netanyahu and Hamas terror group leader Yahya Sinwar, diminished international outrage over the conflict is allegedly fostering hope that a resolution may still be achievable.

Israeli intelligence reports suggest that Sinwar has been distressed by the declining public support for the Gazan cause. He was reportedly shocked by the lack of outcry when Israel eliminated 19 militants operating from a school in Gaza, which also resulted in civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Authority has reported nearly 100 fatalities from the targeted strike, although these figures are difficult to verify and have been disputed by Israel Defense Forces.

The latest proposal is scheduled to be presented at a summit organized by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States on Thursday. The urgency of reaching a ceasefire has escalated, driven not only by the need to rescue the remaining hostages but also to avert a broader regional conflict.

While Sinwar wants a break in the war, Netanyahu faces rising pressure from within Israel to bring the hostages home. The focus on addressing the threat posed by Hamas has, until now, seemingly taken precedence over efforts to rescue hostages, leading to increasing frustration among mediators. They have accused Netanyahu of what they perceive as an excessive commitment to the conflict and believe he will continue until Sinwar is eliminated.

Negotiators expressed frustration that Netanyahu is responsible for Israel’s delayed response, particularly in relation to the control of the Gaza-Egypt border and the Philadelphi Corridor. There is ongoing concern that the assassination of terrorist leaders in Beirut and Tehran may escalate to more regional violence in an already volatile situation. 

U.S. officials will arrive in the Middle East for the summit on Thursday, as many fear this may be the last hope of reaching an agreement.