The Israeli security establishment is exploring new ideas to pressure Hamas in Gaza into negotiating another phase of hostage releases and a multi-week ceasefire. This comes after the latest Israeli proposal was rejected by Hamas, according to security officials.
The British BBC network reported last night, citing a senior Palestinian source, that mediators Qatar and Egypt proposed a new formula for a deal between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. According to the report, the plan includes a ceasefire (“hudna”) for 5 to 7 years, the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian terrorists, an official end to the war, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel has not responded to the report.
Until the Security Cabinet decides on new steps to increase pressure on Hamas in the Strip, senior security officials are recommending two additional measures they believe will intensify pressure on the terror group:
A. Renewed assassinations of Hamas leaders abroad
The Mossad, under Director David Barnea, began preparing a hit list of senior Hamas political officials abroad over a year ago, following a directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.