Netanyahu said to be open to partial hostage deal despite public statements to contrary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to consider a partial ceasefire and hostage-release agreement with Hamas, despite his recent statements to the contrary, according to Hebrew media reports, citing a senior Israeli official.

Channel 12 reports that an Israeli official involved in the negotiations recently told relatives of hostages that “Israel is currently prepared to aim only for a comprehensive deal. But there are too many unresolved issues regarding the end of the war. If Hamas agrees to a partial deal under conditions that are acceptable here, don’t be surprised if the red line suddenly shifts.”

Channel 13, quoting a senior member of Israel’s negotiating team, says Netanyahu is willing to discuss “a ‘phased’ deal” with Hamas, while adding that “we have not received a draft from the mediators.” According to the official, both Qatar and Egypt are trying to jump-start the process.

Echoing comments made by Netanyahu and coalition members during today’s nationwide strike calling for the return of the hostages and an end to the war, the official adds that “what’s happening inside the country [the protest] is playing against us. Meetings and talks are taking place in Cairo — it’s not effective negotiation, because Hamas is not in the mindset of effective negotiation.”

The reports come after the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement last night, insisting that Israel is strictly seeking a comprehensive deal in which all hostages are released at once and all of Netanyahu’s conditions are met, following claims that Hamas has renewed its willingness to pursue a phased ceasefire-hostage arrangement.

The primary voice opposing any partial deals within the security cabinet is Netanyahu’s top adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, adds Channel 12.

According to the network, Dermer — who strongly objected to any partial frameworks during the cabinet session earlier this month that approved Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City in October — is taking this stance because he aims to secure stated guarantees from United States President Donald Trump on the terms of an agreement.

The goal, the report says, is to obtain within a month an official announcement from Trump outlining conditions for a comprehensive end to the war — including the release of all hostages. If this strategy succeeds in pressuring Hamas to accept such terms, Channel 12 adds, the need to enter and occupy Gaza City could be averted.

Still, during today’s cabinet meeting, officials indicated that if a partial deal becomes viable — one that would likely bring home about half of the living and deceased hostages — Israel would be willing to agree to a 60-day ceasefire, throughout which it would reassess how to proceed with its military campaign.