"A Gut Punch".
This is how an Israeli official involved in the negotiations described the reaction to the images of the three released hostages Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, after 491 days in Hamas captivity. "They were held underground most of the time in harsh conditions. Testimonies from those who have already returned made it clear that they suffered abuse and extremely difficult captivity conditions, including starvation. But seeing them today makes it horrifyingly tangible."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released two consecutive statements. The first emphasized, "We will not remain indifferent to the shocking images we have seen today." The second took a firmer and more action-oriented tone: "Given the severe condition of the three hostages and Hamas' repeated violations, Netanyahu has instructed that this will not be overlooked, and appropriate measures will be taken."
Israel holds the cards
Initial consultations on Israel's response have already taken place. Later today (Saturday), Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting of the negotiation team, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, hostage and missing persons coordinator Gal Hirsch, and other officials. Among the options on the table are delaying certain Israeli commitments, such as the release of convicted terrorists from Israeli prisons, the planned withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor set for tomorrow, and the continued evacuation of wounded and sick individuals via the Rafah crossing.
Beyond these tactical considerations, the team will address a fundamental strategic issue: whether to accelerate negotiations on the second phase of the deal. This could have profound consequences for the war's goals and the situation in Gaza after the conflict ends. Last week, new elements were introduced into the equation following Netanyahu's meeting with President Donald Trump and his statements regarding the future of Gaza and the possibility of Gazans relocating to other countries.
According to an Israeli official, in the short term, Trump's remarks may harden Hamas' stance in negotiations for the next phase. However, they are not expected to delay the completion of the first phase of the deal.
The next Round of talks
Today, an Israeli delegation composed of what is described as the "professional echelon" is set to travel to Qatar to officially begin negotiations on the next phase. For the first time, the delegation will include a former deputy head of the Shin Bet, identified as "M," but will not include the senior members of the negotiation team. Their discussions will focus on procedural and technical matters to lay the groundwork for the decisive talks expected to begin next week.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is expected to replace Mossad Director David Barnea as the head of the Israeli negotiation team. According to political sources, this shift reflects the transition of discussions toward political issues concerning Gaza's future and Israel's security. However, there are concerns that sidelining Barnea, who has successfully fostered the necessary dialogue for an agreement, could be perceived as problematic by the mediators involved in the negotiations.
