From Gantz: Initial signs of progress on new hostage deal framework; won’t be sweeping bans on Arab Israelis at Al-Aqsa
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
There are “initial signs that indicate the possibility of moving forward” on a “new framework” to free the hostages, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz tells reporters in Tel Aviv after the talks appeared to hit a snag last week.
“We will not miss any opportunity to bring the [hostages] home,” he says, pledging that “no stone will be left unturned” in the effort to free those kidnapped on October 7.
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to send an Israeli delegation for further hostage negotiations in Cairo, reportedly angering war cabinet members Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot of the National Unity party.
Gantz reiterates that Israel is prepared to launch its Rafah offensive during Ramadan if a hostage deal is not reached by the time the Muslim holy month starts around March 10.
He hails the Knesset vote rejecting the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
Gantz adds that the entire war cabinet is united in opposition to far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s call for sweeping sanctions against Arab Israelis on the Temple Mount during Ramadan. Netanyahu indicated earlier this week that he agreed with Ben Gvir.
Gantz says the war cabinet is only considering restricting specific individuals who are are deemed dangerous.
