The talks with senior US officials over the past day have focused on the “smooth completion” of the ongoing first phase of the hostage deal, a senior member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s entourage says outside the White House.
“We still have hostages we are trying to get out, and we are still concerned Hamas will try some trick,” the official says.
The sides did not discuss a possible extension of phase one, says the aide, “but it may be we won’t oppose it.”
“It is clear to everyone that Hamas won’t be in Gaza,” the official continues. “What is clear is it won’t be Hamas and it won’t be the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.”
“There is understanding from the Americans on this issue.”
The official says that when Netanyahu returns to Israel, the cabinet will have to vote on its positions regarding moving to the second stage of the deal.
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