Israeli PM Open to Partial Deal for Captive Return
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed willingness to consider a “partial” deal to facilitate the return of some captives held in Gaza, although he remains firm in his stance against ending Israel’s war on Gaza. Despite previous claims by the United States that an Israeli proposal could lead to a ceasefire, Netanyahu reiterated that the ultimate goal is to uproot the Hamas regime in Gaza.
Last month, US President Joe Biden proposed a ceasefire plan involving a six-week pause in hostilities and the release of captives on both sides to pave the way for negotiations. However, Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is eliminated and have not fully embraced the proposal.
Netanyahu also disclosed plans to establish a “civilian administration” in Gaza to manage humanitarian aid and civilian affairs, rejecting the notion of the Palestinian Authority taking over from Hamas.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 1,100 people in Gaza and at least 37,598 in Israel. Netanyahu also announced the deployment of troops to the northern border with Lebanon for defensive purposes and to repatriate displaced residents.