Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed partial annexation of the Gaza Strip as a potential course of action if hostage deal talks fail, during a Monday small cabinet meeting – an Israeli source confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. “It was raised as a serious matter and was debated,” the source said. This comes after a source told the Post on Monday that Israel will have “no choice” but to expand its military operation in some capacity if hostage talks stall.
In addition, IDF sources confirmed to the Post that senior military officials were kept out of the meetings and were not consulted. The IDF Spokesperson’s Office added that it would not comment on internal cabinet discussions.The Post contacted multiple sources within the Justice Ministry with authority related to the issue, but has not received a response.
According to an Israeli source, the prime minister is currently waiting for two things: the possibility that Hamas may still show flexibility in the hostage negotiations and the upcoming meetings in Washington – where Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi are expected to hold talks with senior Trump administration officials about the war in Gaza. The official added that he expects the security cabinet to convene this week to further discuss the situation. (Read More)
