Following the collapse of negotiations between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization on the release of Israeli hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the return of Israel’s senior negotiating team from Doha on Tuesday night. The move signals Israel’s intent to significantly escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip, potentially beginning as early as Wednesday, while still leaving the door open for renewed negotiations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office released this statement Tuesday evening: “Israel has agreed to the American proposal for the return of the hostages, which is based on the Witkoff framework. This proposal was recently conveyed to Hamas via the mediators, even though it continues to cling to its refusal. After approximately one week of intensive contacts in Doha, the senior members of the negotiating team will return to Israel for consultations; the working echelon will – at present – remain in Doha.”
The Prime Minister is holding frequent discussions with Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy. Additionally, he met Tuesday night in his office with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who conveyed the president’s message that the administration remains firmly committed to the goal of ending Hamas’s rule in the Gaza Strip and dismantling its military capabilities.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a situation assessment and field tour in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, accompanied by Southern Command Commander Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, 98th Division Commander Brig. Gen. Guy Levy and additional senior officers.
Zamir stated: “In recent days, the IDF has initiated a new phase in the ongoing campaign in the Gaza Strip—a campaign not of our choosing, but one thrust upon us on the dark day of October 7th, when Hamas launched a brutal and unprecedented attack against the State of Israel.”
“I fully understand the concern and anguish of the families of the hostages,” Zamir said. “I recognize the difficult questions raised by the pursuit of multiple objectives (destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages – DI). This is a complex challenge, but we possess the tools, the intelligence, and the sense of duty required. I, along with every IDF soldier, will continue to work relentlessly until all our hostages are brought home. We will exhaust every possible avenue. Hamas has only one option: to release our hostages. Should an agreement be reached, the IDF will know how to adapt its operations accordingly.”
