Report: PM told coalition heads he supports Witkoff deal, but not negotiations on ending the war with Hamas in charge

In a discussion over the phone this afternoon, Netanyahu and his coalition heads approved a resumption of hostage talks, but reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the “Witkoff framework,” Channel 12 reports.

The framework would see a temporary ceasefire of some 40 days, in exchange for about half of the remaining hostages.

Israel remains opposed, however, to any deal that would guarantee serious negotiations for ending the war altogether, unless Hamas agrees to options that aren’t currently on the table, such as leaving the Strip.

A source who was present for the discussions says there was pessimism about the prospects of the new talks, but that the coalition leaders gave Netanyahu a green light to send the delegation — even though National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were opposed.

Channel 12 also reports that Hamas is “convinced that Israel is galloping to war,” and that its current strategy — including talks with the US — is intended to convince the US to push Israel to make a deal.