Israeli media outlets have reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, sent clear signals that he is “seeking to end the war in Gaza.” The shift comes on the heels of the ceasefire deal with Iran and renewed US moves to advance plans for a “New Middle East.”
A report by Israel’s Channel 12 stated that “the current intention is to attempt to reach new normalisation agreements with additional states,” a path that would run through a “prisoner exchange deal and ending the military operation in Gaza.”
However, the report added that “Netanyahu is hinting at ending the war, but with conditions that Hamas currently finds unacceptable.” It noted that Netanyahu aims to visit the White House soon to finalise the details.
The report said Israel’s Chief of Staff is expected to brief the Security Cabinet tomorrow, announcing that the army has completed its assigned tasks under the so-called ‘Gideon Chariots Plan’ and will ask ministers to decide on the next steps.
Security Talks and Prisoner Negotiations
Netanyahu is reportedly holding closed-door security discussions focused on ongoing negotiations to return Israeli prisoners, amid “intense pressure from mediators to narrow the gaps between the sides.” Upcoming meetings could be hosted in Cairo or Doha in the coming days.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that a deal could be reached this week. He said he “expects a ceasefire in Gaza this week,” which has raised expectations among families of Israeli captives.
Yet Channel 12 stressed that “there has been no real breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas so far,” describing the current dynamic as an American vision for achieving a single deal that includes the return of prisoners, an end to the war in Gaza, and regional progress on normalisation.
Key Israeli Envoys Head to Washington
According to the report, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, a close Netanyahu ally, will travel to Washington on Monday to discuss the roadmap for ending the war, the prisoner deal, and Israel’s conditions for any post-war talks with Iran. He will also “pave the way” for Netanyahu’s anticipated visit to the US capital.
Channel 12 cited possible dates for the visit, reporting that “it is expected — according to circulating information — to take place in mid-next month, roughly two and a half weeks from now.”
An American source told the channel, “We want to be part of the process to secure the prisoners’ release and a ceasefire before Netanyahu arrives in Washington, and we are working toward that goal with regional partners and our ally Israel.”
The report noted that Israel responded two weeks ago to the Witkoff Proposal submitted by Hamas by offering minor adjustments to the prisoner release timeline. However, Hamas has yet to issue any official response.
According to Channel 12, Netanyahu remains firmly committed to the Witkoff Plan, which calls for a “gradual release of prisoners in two phases and ending the war only after final agreement on the terms of its conclusion,” despite Washington’s preference for a single, comprehensive deal that includes the return of all prisoners.
