Israel Sends Mixed Signals on Captive Deal While Netanyahu Embarks on Hungary Trip

Watan-As Hamas expressed willingness to release five living Israeli captives, the Israeli side insisted on receiving 11 living captives and half the number of its dead captives—a demand Hamas rejected. Meanwhile, Israel submitted “another proposal, awaiting Hamas’s response,” according to the Ynet website, quoting an Israeli official.

Amid renewed negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to visit Budapest next Wednesday, continuing a diplomatic tour through the end of the week. This marks his first overseas trip since the war on Gaza resumed.

According to the report, Netanyahu informed the judges overseeing his ongoing corruption cases that he would travel to Hungary in response to an invitation from his Hungarian counterpart, Viktor Orbán, and will be accompanied by his wife Sara on the “Wings of Zion” aircraft.

Israel Backs New Deal Terms as Captive Talks Stall

The visit comes as significant gaps remain in the negotiations. Israel continues to support the proposal of U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. That proposal involves releasing half of the living captives and a portion of the deceased on the first day of a two-month ceasefire. The remainder would be released on the final day, contingent upon agreement—within those two months—on a permanent ceasefire.

Witkoff’s proposal represents a retreat from the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement signed by Israel and Hamas in January. Israel violated the terms it agreed to by refusing to begin phase two of negotiations on day 16 of phase one, as stipulated. In response, Hamas proposed an additional initiative to keep talks alive: releasing five Israeli captives in exchange for a 50-day truce. However, Israel rejected the offer and resumed its assault on Palestinians.

Israel rejected Hamas’s proposal, arguing that the suggested number of truce days did not align with the number of captives being released. In the first phase, the agreed ratio was one week of truce for every three Israeli captives. Now, Israel is demanding the return of its captives within a shorter time frame, while presenting a new proposal for the “keys” that would determine how it releases Palestinian prisoners. If Hamas agrees, Israel will send a delegation to Doha.

Israel Sends Counterproposal as Captive Families Call for Action

In this context, the site quoted an Israeli source saying, “We received Hamas’s proposal over the weekend, held consultations and talks about it, and sent a counterproposal in return.” Despite the stalled negotiations, the report noted that indirect talks are ongoing, with mediators maintaining communication even in the absence of formal delegations.

The official added, “There’s no doubt that the military pressure and logistical blockade are yielding results and influencing the negotiations,” stating, “We are sensing a shift that has led to an exchange of proposals. After submitting our proposal, we’re now waiting for Hamas’s reply.” Nonetheless, he added, “Even if the proposal moves forward, it will not bring good news to all the captives and their families.”

Meanwhile, a “New Month Prayer” was held this morning outside the home of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who was appointed by Netanyahu to lead the negotiation team. However, according to a senior security official cited by the site, Dermer “does not see the need to participate in most of the meetings with foreign officials or negotiation sessions.”

In a joint statement from the site of the prayer gathering, the families of the captives said: “The month of Nisan heralds the arrival of spring, renewal, and blooming—but most importantly, freedom.” This was a reference to the upcoming Jewish Passover holiday, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The families continued: “It is unacceptable to celebrate the holiday again without them… We stand here to pray for strength for the negotiating team. We are here to remind Minister Dermer of his duty to save 59 lives.”