Watan-In parallel with the intensive negotiations for the exchange deal with Hamas, the Israeli Channel 12 reported that Israel is also working towards a much larger political step.
According to the channel, the goal is to reach an agreement for the release of Israeli prisoners, along with a deal to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia in the near future.
In recent days, talks with the U.S. government regarding this matter have also been expedited. However, the key question is whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a majority in the Israeli Security Cabinet for this move.
Pressure on Hamas to Agree
Pressure has been exerted on Hamas to agree. According to the report, there has been recent pressure on Hamas to accept the framework for the release of “hostages.” Israel insists on the release of all hostages in the first stage, including civilians and soldiers, as well as those in difficult conditions.
As of now, Hamas has not officially responded to its position on the deal, and it is expected that the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, will convey their response to the head of the Israeli Mossad, David Barnea.
It is expected that the response from Yahya al-Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, will be complex: a “yes” with reservations and complicated conditions. However, the fact that he does not reject the matter from the outset is considered progress, according to Channel 12.
The main question is whether Sinwar will agree to abandon the condition of ending the war. If he agrees, negotiations are likely to accelerate, and we may see visits to Egypt by the relevant parties in Israel.
The report also indicated significant U.S. pressure on the mediators, both Qatar and Egypt, who in turn are pressuring Hamas.
The Israeli National Security Council has reportedly discussed the deal with Hamas, and there is consensus on Israeli “red lines.” Netanyahu has recently affirmed that Israel will not agree to the release of thousands he referred to as “terrorists,” and will not cease the war or withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza.
On the other hand, a source in the Cabinet stated, “The Prime Minister’s attempt to appear strong against Gantz and Lapid is misleading.”
The Major Saudi Deal alongside the Exchange Deal
The major Saudi deal alongside the exchange deal In Israel and Washington, efforts have been intensified in recent days to promote the “major Saudi deal” alongside the hostage deal with Hamas.
This week, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington, focusing on normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.
On Friday morning, Reuters reported from high-level sources that Saudi Arabia had agreed to ease its main demand from Israel in the deal concerning the Palestinian issue. Riyadh will reportedly commit to a “preliminary commitment” to a future political step, even without clear on-the-ground actions.
In addition to these matters, some Cabinet members express doubts, and there are significant question marks about the political feasibility of all these political steps.
However, it seems that the Israeli National Security Council is united on these matters, and there is an estimation that it will be able to advance the deal within the government, according to the report.