Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered negotiations for the release of all hostages and has ordered the end of the war in Gaza “on conditions that are acceptable to Israel.”
The Israeli military is planning to move forward with plans to control Gaza, Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader’s remarks appeared in a video recorded Thursday ahead of a high-level security meeting called with the city of Gaza and the defense chief and Cabinet minister, focusing on approval of the operational plan to “decisively defeat Hamas.”
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is now at a critical time.
“We’re at a critical stage,” he said.
This is the first time Netanyahu has publicly addressed the Gaza War Cerez-fire talks as Hamas actively responded to the latest proposals raised by Qatar and Egyptian mediators earlier this week.
Still, the Israeli Prime Minister did not avoid escaping the current proposal framework for whom he gave the order to commence immediate negotiations.
Israeli officials believe 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 being believed to be alive.
In a recent official statement and official briefing, Netanyahu emphasizes that Israel is seeking a comprehensive agreement that will ensure the release of all hostages and meet Israel’s conditions to end the war.
He continued to push forward with plans for a massive attack on Gaza city and directed the military to shorten the operation’s timeline despite concerns from Gaza residents who described Israel’s plans as “the beginning of a new war” on Wednesday.
Israel has called tens of thousands of reserves to take part in the imminent military operation. According to a spokesman for the Israeli Secretary of Defense (IDF), Israeli troops are already located on the outskirts of Gaza.
“We are in the decision stage,” Netanyahu said at the video address. “Today I came to the Gaza Division and approved the plan (the Israeli Defense Force) presented to me, and approved it to the Minister of Defense for controlling Gaza City and defeating Hamas.”
At the same time, Netanyahu refrained from officially referring to the mediator’s proposal, revealing the possibility of a partial agreement.
According to two Israeli sources, Netanyahu manages development under strict secrets and confidentiality.
