Report: Dramatic Development in Hostage Deal Talks

Cabinet ministers were updated last night by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Dermer that they are identifying movement in Hamas's position – the mediators are formulating a serious new proposal, as reported this evening (Thursday) by Moriah Asraf.

They further added that "serious proposals are currently being formulated between the US and Egypt that are approaching what Israel is willing to agree to – both regarding the number of living hostages who will be released and the number of terrorists who will be released in exchange."

According to the report, a source in the Cabinet claims that the deal involves the release of more than 5 living hostages.

Recall that last night it was reported that the Political-Security Cabinet discussion would take place without the heads of the defense establishment, and indeed, the IDF Chief of Staff, the Mossad Director, and the Shin Bet Director were not invited to the discussion.

US President Donald Trump addressed the issue of hostage release today, stating: "There is progress in negotiations to return the hostages – discussions are being conducted with Israel and Hamas. There are 59 hostages, 24 of them alive – this is what I was told by the families," he said. He further added that "returning everyone is important, including the deceased. Hamas is a group of evil people."