Netanyahu’s Demands for the Second Phase of the Agreement: Removing Hamas Leaders and Disarming the Group
Israel’s Demands Include Hamas Leadership Removal and Disarmament, Amid Concerns Over Political Fallout
Watan-The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to present Israel’s demands for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement for approval at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The newspaper stated that Israeli assessments suggest Hamas will reject these demands, which include the removal of the movement’s leadership from Gaza, the dismantling of its military wing (Al-Qassam Brigades), its disarmament, and the release of all Israeli captives.
It added that accepting these demands would lead to Israel ending the war.
Netanyahu has already reached understandings regarding the principles of the second phase with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his Middle East envoy, Stephen Witkoff.
Expectations of Hamas Rejection
However, the newspaper noted that due to Hamas’s expected rejection, Israel is likely to push for extending the first phase for as long as possible to secure the release of more captives and maintain the temporary ceasefire.
An Israeli official stated that if Hamas refuses to extend the current phase, ending with the release of 33 captives, Israel could face a tough choice: either resume military operations while 65 captives remain in Hamas custody or move to the second phase under Hamas’s terms.
He added that accepting Hamas’s demands could also create political turmoil for Netanyahu.
The newspaper also highlighted that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously warned that once the first phase ends, he would push for a full resumption of military operations and the destruction of Hamas.
Smotrich reiterated his opposition on Sunday, describing Hamas’s conditions as a dangerous precedent.
He also criticized past Israeli concessions, including the withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor and allowing displaced Gazans to return to northern Gaza, warning against further compromises.
A Transitional Phase
Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu is conducting a limited assessment on Monday regarding the second phase of the deal ahead of the Cabinet meeting.
According to Maariv, Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase between the first and second phases of the prisoner exchange agreement. This transitional phase would not include a formal declaration of an end to the war but would ensure the continued release of captives.
Maariv also reported that Israeli security agencies fear that negotiations could collapse during the month of Ramadan.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which includes a prisoner exchange, came into effect on January 19, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The agreement consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, with negotiations during the first phase meant to pave the way for the second and third phases.
