Israel stands on the cusp of a historic turning point: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that the release of the remaining 48 hostages could occur in the coming days—ideally during the Sukkot festival. Hamas has accepted parts of the US-mediated plan and signaled its readiness to proceed with the exchange under certain conditions.

Technical preparations & diplomatic steps

Netanyahu stated that he has instructed his negotiation team—led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer—to finalize the technical details for the release.

The plan stipulates that Israel will maintain a presence in the Gaza Strip even after the hostages are freed—at least in strategically significant areas.

At the same time, Israel aims to exert pressure on Hamas through a ceasefire, phased withdrawals, and humanitarian concessions.

Netanyahu emphasized that 207 hostages have already been released so far and that the balance of power in the diplomatic arena has shifted in Israel’s favor: “Hamas is isolated,” he insisted.

Opportunities, conditions, and domestic tensions

The prospect of a swift release sparks euphoria in Israel—but it’s not so simple. Hamas demands that “field conditions” be met before the exchange begins.

Critics of the deal, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, warned that a defensive stance could weaken Israel’s negotiating position, particularly regarding long-term goals like the demilitarization of Gaza.

Sources close to Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister and the fiercest critic of Trump’s proposal within the coalition, said his Otzma Yehudit party could not support an agreement that allows Hamas to retain power in Gaza.

Ben-Gvir, who was reportedly summoned to the Prime Minister’s office along with Smotrich after Shabbat, informed Netanyahu that he would not leave the government at this time, according to sources.

“The current proposal envisions the release of all hostages, something that has never happened before,” the sources added. “He will tell the Prime Minister: If Hamas continues to exist, officially or under another guise, that is a red line, and we will not remain part of the government.”

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