Ten days ago, the security cabinet decided to capture Gaza City. Since then, however, little has happened, and the army is still working on operational plans.

In parallel, mediators informed Israel that Hamas has softened its stance and is now willing to enter negotiations for a partial agreement. The mediators proposed that Israel engage in so-called “proximity talks” with Hamas. In Israel, opinions differ on how to interpret this shift in Hamas’s position: Some believe Hamas is trying to deceive Israel to halt the plan to capture Gaza, which is causing them concern. Others in the negotiation team argue that Israel must not reject talks for a partial agreement that could lead to the release of ten hostages. These senior members of the negotiation team believe a partial deal should not be taken off the table and that an all-or-nothing strategy is untenable. This position is also supported by National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.

Minister Ron Dermer, however, believes there is no time for a partial agreement. He suggests that the Americans are already working on a...

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