Israel’s War Cabinet to Discuss Second Phase of Hostage Deal

 

Israel’s War Cabinet to Discuss Second Phase of Hostage Deal

The **Israeli War Cabinet** is set to convene on **February 11, 2025**, to discuss the **second phase** of the ongoing **hostage deal**. This follows the return of the Israeli delegation from **Qatar**, where talks were held regarding the **first phase** of the agreement.  

## **Israel’s Conditions for Moving Forward**  

According to reports from **Walla News**, Israeli **Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu** will outline the country’s conditions for proceeding with the deal. These include:  

- The **removal of Hamas’ leadership** from **Gaza**  

- The **dismantling of Hamas’ military wing**  

- The **release of all remaining hostages**  

If these conditions are accepted, **Israel may agree to end the war**, but it is expected that **Hamas will reject them**.  

## **US-Israel Coordination and Hamas’ Position**  

Netanyahu has reportedly reached an understanding with **former U.S. President Donald Trump** and his envoy, **Steve Witkoff**, regarding the **principles of the second phase**. However, Israeli officials believe that **Hamas will not accept these terms**, prompting Israel to **extend the first phase** to **secure more hostage releases** while keeping the ceasefire in place.  

Hamas, on the other hand, has made its demands clear:  

- A **permanent ceasefire**  

- A **full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza**  

- Unrestricted **international financial aid** for **Gaza’s reconstruction**  

The group is reportedly holding **65 Israeli and foreign hostages** who were **excluded from the first phase** and sees them as its **last bargaining chip**.  

## **A Political Dilemma for Netanyahu**  

If Hamas refuses to extend the first phase and only **33 hostages** are returned, **Israel faces a difficult choice**:  

1. **Resume military operations**, despite the remaining hostages being in captivity.  

2. **Proceed with the second phase** under Hamas' conditions, which could create **political turmoil** for Netanyahu.  

Israeli **Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich** and his **Religious Zionism Party** have already warned that once the first phase concludes, they will **demand the resumption of full-scale combat** to **eliminate Hamas**.  

As the situation unfolds, **international pressure**, particularly from **the U.S. and regional mediators**, will likely play a crucial role in determining whether **Israel and Hamas can reach a final agreement** or whether the conflict will **escalate once again**.  

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