Israeli officials tell outlets chances for ceasefire-hostage deal appear ‘slim’

Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.

Anonymous Israeli officials cited by Hebrew media say chances for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas now appear “slim,” and that negotiations are not taking place or expected to restart soon.

An unnamed official tells Channel 12 that Hamas is “unwilling to negotiate.”

“There are currently no ongoing negotiations or expectations for renewed talks. We are moving toward the next steps, which are expected to include a military operation,” the Maariv news outlet cites an official as saying.

The remarks follow US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon to try and resolve the logjam in talks.

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