Channel 12 said the plans to expand the offensive are not final, as Israel wants to give more time for hostage negotiations. The network said a new offensive is unlikely before US President Donald Trump’s trip to the region from May 13 to 16 (the US leader is expected in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, but not Israel). In the meantime, the cabinet is slated to convene on Sunday so ministers can vote to approve the military plans authorized by Netanyahu during Friday’s security, the network said.
Fighting has been ongoing for the past month and a half since the breakdown of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. The terror group has demanded that any new agreement lead to a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, in exchange for the release of the remaining living hostages, as envisioned in the previous deal. Netanyahu has rejected this trade, saying Hamas cannot remain in power in the enclave. (Read More)