Gaza War To End Soon? Israeli Defence Minister Katz Says Netanyahu Government Closer To Hostage Deal With Hamas

Israel is “closer than ever” to securing a deal with Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told lawmakers on Monday (16 December).

His remarks, made during a closed-door meeting with the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, were widely reported in the Hebrew press.

“Israel is closer than ever to another hostage deal,” Katz was quoted as saying, adding that “the less said the better,” a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a day earlier.

Netanyahu, after a call with US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday, emphasised ongoing efforts to secure the hostages’ release.

“We are working all the time, without rest, to bring our hostages home,” Netanyahu said, without providing much details.

“The less we talk about it, the better — that way, with God’s help, we will succeed,” he added, according to the Times of Israel.

Trump has issued a stark warning to hostage-takers in the Middle East, threatening “unprecedented American firepower” if the hostages are not released before his inauguration on 20 January.

Katz indicated that the current proposal has significant backing within the coalition and is unlikely to face internal opposition.

He also clarified that the deal would not involve an indefinite ceasefire, a condition sought by Hamas but opposed by many in Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition.

“There’s flexibility on the other side. They understand we’re not going to end the war,” Katz reportedly said.

Hamas, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages during its October 7 attack, still holds around 100 hostages in Gaza.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths.

Negotiations to follow up on a late-November agreement that freed 105 hostages have repeatedly stalled.

However, Asharq News, citing an unnamed Hamas leader, reported that both sides are “closer than ever” to a deal, provided “Netanyahu doesn’t obstruct it.”

The Hamas leader claimed the group has shown “great flexibility,” proposing a “gradual end to the war and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces according to an agreed-upon timetable, and guarantees from international mediators.”

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