Heads of IDF, Shin Bet meet Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss potential hostage deal

By Lazar Berman

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10 December 2024, 5:52 pm

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Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi (left) and Shin Bet security services Director Ronen Bar at the special operations room overseeing a mission to release hostages in the Gaza Strip, June 8, 2024. (Shin Bet security services)

Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi were in Cairo today to meet senior Egyptian officials, an Israeli official tells The Times of Israel, confirming a report in the Walla news outlet.

The two were there to discuss, among other issues, attempts to reach a hostage release deal. “Hamas still hasn’t given an answer on if it is willing to engage in negotiations,” says the official.

According to Walla, this was a visit planned weeks ago primarily to discuss issues relating to the border between Egypt and Gaza.