Phase II hostage talks: Benjamin Netanyahu & Donald Trump push united front

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to present Israel’s demands for the second phase of the hostage deal to the Security Cabinet for approval on Tuesday. Israeli assessments suggest that Hamas is unlikely to accept these conditions, which include the exile of its leadership from Gaza, the full disarmament of its military wing, and the release of all remaining hostages.

If agreed upon, these terms would effectively bring Israel’s military operations in Gaza to an end.

Talks on the second phase will only commence after the Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, the Israeli delegation in Doha, Qatar, remains focused on executing the first phase of the agreement.

The team - comprising Hostage and Missing Persons Coordinator Gal Hirsch and a senior Shin Bet official - is working to ensure ongoing hostage releases and prevent further violations. Israel anticipates the release of three more male hostages in the upcoming exchange, but concerns persist over their physical condition, following the deteriorated state of some hostages returned on Saturday.

Netanyahu has already coordinated the second-phase principles with U.S. President Donald Trump and his Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff. However, given Hamas’ likely refusal, Israel may push to prolong the first phase to secure as many hostage releases as possible while maintaining the temporary cease-fire.

An Israeli official stated that in response to Hamas’ strategy of depriving hostages of food, Israel has implemented countermeasures, including delaying humanitarian aid shipments into Gaza. The official stressed that while Netanyahu remains committed to the deal, Hamas will "face consequences later."

"We may be swallowing some bitter pills now, but Hamas will pay for this," the official warned. He emphasized that Israel is determined to bring all hostages home—whether through negotiations or renewed military action. "The war is not the goal—it is a means to bring our hostages home, one way or another."