Israel-Hamas hostage deal: Political sources say deal may come in time for Passover

In the shadow of Operation Sword and Valor and amid concerns that the hostage deal might be removed from the agenda, the Prime Minister announced yesterday that negotiations are continuing under fire. At the political level, officials assess that another deal may be possible before Passover, with gaps that still exist but are smaller.

A senior Israeli official says today that Israel has submitted its response to the mediators, confirming the framework proposed by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. According to the proposal, there will be a 40-day period at the beginning of which 10 hostages will be immediately released.

On the fifth day of the framework, Hamas would need to provide complete information about the hostages by transferring names. Additionally, on day 10, the terrorist organization would be expected to release 16 deceased hostages. During the pause, dialogue between the parties will take place.

In this process as well, there is no validity to claims that Israel will end the war. The IDF is expected to establish a buffer zone between the enemy and settlements to prevent raids and additional kidnappings. Senior officials in Israel note that there will be no withdrawal from the area in the future. According to them, the release of hostages is essentially a prelude to other moves and this helps the American envoy advance the plan.

Regarding Operation Sword and Valor, Israel wants to dramatically expand the security perimeter. The IDF will operate with great force in the air and sea before a ground entry, after verifying there are no hostages in the area.

"This is an opportunity that must not be missed," say senior Israeli officials, adding "this is maximum pressure." They note that the Defense Minister sees eye to eye with the IDF Chief of Staff.

Israel is applying pressure through evacuating residents, capturing territory, and taking control of humanitarian aid. In the third week of Operation Sword and Valor, the conquest of territories in the northern sector will continue with raids. In the fourth week, the conquest of additional territories will continue.

Regarding voluntary migration, Israeli officials note that over 40% of Gaza residents want to leave. Those who have left have migrated to Gulf states, Jordan, and the European Union. From Israel's perspective, this desire to leave is a key point.

The Egyptians charged Gaza citizens who crossed the border heavily. Netanyahu is leading actions with countries willing to accept them. This operation does not require special reserve mobilization; if it expands significantly, a large number of reservists will be mobilized.

Netanyahu stated yesterday at the start of the government meeting that Hamas leaders could leave the Gaza Strip. A similar opinion was heard among senior officials in Israel. According to them, Israel's priority is a reality in Gaza without Hamas control, so this is a legitimate position as part of reducing threats. It seems they currently don't want to leave because their dialogue is expressed in terms of destruction.

Regarding Turkey, Israel clarifies that the Turks' goal is to reduce Israel's open skies in Syria, where the IDF has established several bases. The government has no interest in friction with the Turks, and Israel operates freely in the airspace.

The eastern fence will be completed within three years. In the West Bank sector, a security source notes that until the end of the year, there will be no exit from camps and no one will enter them either. According to him, Israel has dismantled the battalions established by Iran, and the number of warnings has dropped dramatically. Israel allows Israeli Arabs to enter Jenin.

During operations in the area, the IDF found evidence indicating Hamas's desire to invade the West Bank sector on October 7. Israel clarifies that within 3 years, the construction of the eastern fence will be completed.

There is a consensus at the political level regarding striking Iran. Regarding Iran, Tehran is at a low point - the Iranian axis is fragile, Iran is vulnerable and tense following the weakening of the axis. There is consensus throughout the political system that Iran can be attacked. Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Due to the tension felt by the Iranians, they may attack Israel out of the distress they have reached. Israel is preparing for all options.