11 hostages on the line: inside Netanyahu’s bold plan to outsmart Hamas’ demands

Netanyahu Orders Negotiating Team to Gear Up for Talks to Free 11 Hostages

The discussion, attended by key ministers, the negotiating crew, and top defense officials, followed mediators’ feedback on a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Netanyahu’s instructions focus on an immediate push to free the 11 hostages still alive, alongside roughly half of those confirmed deceased, signaling urgency as diplomatic channels heat up.

The move comes amid frustration with Hamas’ stance. On Friday, Witkoff criticized the group for projecting public flexibility while privately issuing “unrealistic” demands. “Hamas is gambling poorly, thinking time is their ally—it’s not,” he cautioned, hinting at a looming deadline with consequences if unmet. Under Witkoff’s latest plan, Hamas would free living hostages in exchange for Israeli-held prisoners, mirroring past ratios. A first-phase ceasefire would stretch long enough to restore substantial humanitarian aid, with the U.S. aiming to broker a lasting resolution during an extended truce. Yet, Witkoff revealed Hamas’ duplicity: while outwardly cooperative, it insists on terms—tied to a permanent ceasefire—that derail progress.

Reports from Thursday outlined Witkoff’s proposal further: a 50-day ceasefire extension, during which Israel would release convicted terrorists for a batch of hostages. Subsequent talks would target a second phase, potentially involving a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—despite Hamas’ history of breaching truces. Netanyahu’s directive reflects a pragmatic push to capitalize on this framework, even as Hamas’ intransigence complicates the path forward.

The meeting underscored Israel’s resolve to retrieve its citizens, living and dead, amid a tense standoff. With mediators pressing both sides and Witkoff warning of diminishing patience, the negotiating team now faces the daunting task of turning diplomatic rhetoric into tangible results—before time, or Hamas’ gambit, runs out.