Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is set to visit Washington, where he is expected to confront significant U.S. pressure regarding a cease-fire in Gaza and the negotiation of a hostage deal.
This visit will also cover potential normalization steps with Arab states, as well as the advancement of the Abraham Accords.
According to Haaretz, senior officials within U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration will urge Dermer to cease military operations in Gaza, focusing instead on securing the safe return of any remaining hostages.
Sources suggest that U.S. officials are likely to advocate for Israel to defer its goal of completely eliminating Hamas until a later phase of operations.
Recent public statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have indicated a renewed priority on securing the release of Israeli hostages. This emphasis may suggest a possible opening for negotiating a cease-fire agreement.
The Israeli military has expressed a need for the government to outline the next steps in their operations. Reportedly, there are contrasting strategies under consideration: one option is to maintain military control over Gaza; the other is to engage in a prisoner exchange deal, with military leaders indicating a preference for the latter approach.
Channel 13 has revealed that after 19 months of ground operations in Gaza, Israeli commanders have conveyed that few remaining strategic objectives can be accomplished without jeopardizing the lives of the hostages.
Ahead of Dermer’s visit, Israeli media has reported that the trip is intended to pave the way for a potential visit by Netanyahu to Washington in the following weeks. The U.S. administration aims to finalize a cease-fire agreement before Netanyahu’s arrival.
President Trump recently shared on social media, “Make a deal in Gaza, bring back the hostages,” interpreting this as a direct appeal to Netanyahu.
On a related note, a cabinet meeting in Israel, convened to discuss the ongoing Gaza offensive, cease-fire negotiations, and proposals for a prisoner exchange, concluded without a decision. The cabinet is scheduled to reconvene to discuss the same agenda soon.
Earlier reports suggested that Netanyahu and Trump had reached a mutual understanding to implement a Gaza cease-fire within the next two weeks.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate significantly. The Israeli military resumed its intensive operations in the region on March 18, following a previously established cease-fire that lasted since January 19.
Since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Gaza’s health ministry has reported a staggering death toll of at least 56,412 individuals, with 133,054 injured.
Following systematic attacks near distribution zones endorsed by the U.S.-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Relief Foundation, an additional 516 people have been reported dead and 3,799 injured since May 27.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has made remarks suggesting that Israel’s recent military actions have created new opportunities, particularly regarding the hostages held in Gaza. He stated that the conflict with Iran had opened many avenues.
“Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages,” Netanyahu asserted during a briefing with security officials.
“Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue and defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals,” he added.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has expressed support for Netanyahu’s remarks, advocating for a comprehensive agreement aimed at securing the safe return of all 50 hostages and concluding fighting in Gaza. The group emphasized that the only viable solution to ensure their safe return is through such an arrangement, rather than through military rescue operations that could endanger both the hostages and Israeli soldiers.
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