From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 12, 2025
Israeli official: ‘Dramatic window’ open for Witkoff deal with Trump in region
Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
An Israeli official tells Channel 12 news that the arrival of US President Donald Trump in the Middle East and the impending release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander create a “dramatic window of opportunity” to advance a hostage deal, based on a framework led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and backed by Egypt.
The unnamed official says Israel is ready to send a negotiating team “if and when we determine that conditions are ripe,” adding that “we hope Hamas seizes what may be its last chance to reach an agreement.”
Conflicting reports indicate that Israel may send a team to Cairo as early as today.
Yesterday, Walla reported that Witkoff has been engaged in talks with Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel aimed at securing a hostage release and broader regional calm.
The Times of Israel Community.