Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement regarding ongoing negotiations over U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Declaring that Israel is “on the verge of a great achievement,” Netanyahu said the plan is still being finalized but that both governments are “working intensively” to secure an agreement.
NETANYAHU: “ALL HOSTAGES COULD RETURN SOON”
Expressing cautious optimism, Netanyahu stated, “In the coming days, perhaps even during the Sukkot holiday, I hope we can announce the return of all hostages — alive or dead — in one operation. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will continue to operate deep within Gaza.”
“GAZA WILL BE DEMILITARIZED”
Netanyahu said he has instructed the Israeli negotiating team to travel to Cairo to finalize the “technical details” surrounding the release of hostages. He emphasized that both Israel and the U.S. aim to conclude talks within days.
“The second phase of the plan will focus on the disarmament of Hamas and the Gaza Strip,” he said. “This will happen either diplomatically, according to Trump’s plan, or militarily. One way or another, it will be accomplished.”
U.S. OFFICIALS TO JOIN CAIRO TALKS
The White House confirmed that former senior adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will participate in the Cairo discussions as part of ongoing coordination between Washington and Jerusalem.
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