Benjamin Netanyahu launched a fresh hostage-deal idea after last weeks cabinet meeting - offering $1M for each person held in Gaza since the early-Oct attack. The plan includes a no-questions-asked exit pass for Hamas captors and their familyʼs
A high-ranked Israeli source confirmed that the govt would guarantee safe-passage and avoid pursuing the hostage-takers (which could help speed up negotiations)
Hamas didnt accept an earlier Egyptian plan that offered a 2-day pause in fighting for just four hostages.
The idea of a temporary pause in the war only to resume aggression later is something we have already expressed our position on
David Barnea who leads Mossadʼs talks team shared his thoughts with hostage families: the chance for success looks small. He noted that theyʼre still waiting for feedback from Qatar and Egypt
The situation got more complex when Eli Feldstein (32) Netanyahuʼs spokesman got arrested for sharing secret IDF files. He failed his security check last year; now hes accused of leaking info about Hamas position on cease-fire talks
- Four more people from IDF Intelligence unit were arrested
- Court said the leak could hurt hostage rescue efforts
- Opposition leader Yair Lapid questioned PMʼs leadership
The court head Menahem Mizrahi pointed out that this leak might damage defence teams work and their info sources