Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that freeing Israeli hostages in Gaza remains the government’s top priority—even ahead of defeating Hamas—amid renewed diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and prospects for broader Middle East normalization.
Speaking during a visit to a Shin Bet facility, Netanyahu expressed optimism that both goals—resolving the Gaza war and returning the roughly 50 hostages—could be achieved. “First of all, to free the hostages,” he said, signaling growing openness to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
Top Israeli ministers met Sunday at the IDF’s Southern Command to discuss Gaza and the potential deal, though no decisions were made. Meanwhile, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is in Washington for talks with U.S. officials ahead of renewed indirect negotiations with Hamas in Cairo.
Major sticking points remain: Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and a reversion to older humanitarian aid systems. Israel insists on a temporary ceasefire and preserving the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to prevent Hamas from diverting aid.
The U.S., under President Trump, is pressing for an immediate deal. “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” Trump posted Sunday, while also advocating for Netanyahu’s legal troubles to be dropped.
