With the inauguration of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir into office, and after all communication channels with Hamas have yielded no results, Israel is approaching a critical juncture in deciding whether to resume the war in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the Cabinet on Sunday for a significant meeting where this difficult dilemma will be discussed. The meeting follows a phone consultation that Netanyahu held last night with a small group of ministers, during which the direction of the decision to be presented to the cabinet was likely formulated.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office announced that "Israel is responding to the mediators' invitation, backed by the United States, and will send a delegation to Doha on Monday in an effort to advance negotiations."
At the same time, as Israel weighs resuming military operations - should that decision be made - additional measures are being considered to weaken Hamas's civil control over Gaza. Israel Hayom has learned that one of the proposals expected to be raised in the cabinet today is halting or reducing the supply of water and electricity to Gaza. It is possible that before hostilities resume, Israel will implement such interim measures.
An Israeli official noted that while Hamas received extensive supplies during the first phase of the ceasefire and has stockpiled goods in warehouses, certain essential products will soon become scarce. He indicated that shortages of milk and eggs in Gaza will be felt in the coming days. Additionally, rising prices are already evident due to the halted supply chain.
Israel rejects Hamas's demands: "No Progress in talks"
The broader decision regarding Israel's next steps comes as IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, whom Netanyahu had long wanted to take command, officially assumes his position. Halevi previously served as Netanyahu's military secretary. The prime minister has confidence in the new chief of staff's capabilities and approach - something that cannot be said about his predecessor, Herzi Halevi.
Meanwhile, all efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas have failed, including the direct channel established by the Trump administration with the terrorist organization. Hamas leaders insist on their original demand to release the remaining hostages only in exchange for an Israeli commitment to end the war and withdraw from Gaza. These messages were conveyed to Adam Boehler, Trump's envoy for the release of American hostages, as well as to Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Israel Hayom has learned that even the direct channel between Hamas and the United States has not yielded any results.
An Israeli official stated last night that "Israel does not recognize any progress in the talks on Phase Two at this stage." Netanyahu and most ministers strongly oppose Hamas's demands, as agreeing to them would mean allowing the organization to remain in control of Gaza, thereby failing to achieve the war's objectives. On the other hand, resuming the war could deliver a decisive blow to Hamas but also endanger the lives of the hostages - at least, according to Hamas's threats. This is the difficult dilemma that was presented to ministers in Netanyahu's consultation last night and will be discussed in today's cabinet meeting.
Conversely, sources told the Saudi news channel Al-Hadath that Israel and the terrorist organization had agreed to a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan. However, these sources also noted that "major dilemmas" remain regarding the second phase of the hostage deal. No other source has confirmed this report. Ramadan began in late February and will conclude at the end of March.
An official familiar with the details responded to the Saudi report, stating: "Contrary to the claims in Arab media, there is no agreement between Israel and Hamas for a temporary ceasefire during Ramadan."
