Israeli media outlets discussed the latest developments regarding the prisoner exchange negotiations, revealing that a deal is expected any time soon.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth’s front page headline reflected what a senior political source said about the delegation’s efforts in Qatar having confirmed that “the prisoner deal can be reached within days,” maintaining that the Israelis are preparing for this step before US President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
In the same context, Israeli officials told the Israeli Channel 12 that “it is possible to reach an agreement as the current circumstances are the best and most appropriate to sign one.”
I24, meanwhile, said, citing a source, that a ceasefire declaration is expected within days of Trump’s inauguration.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation Kan spoke of significant progress in the Doha negotiations to conclude an exchange deal, quoting sources as saying that “Israel’s” demand to deport security prisoners abroad and the day-after issue are among the points of contention.
Kan also reported that Netanyahu’s impression is that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir “will not bring down the government if the deal is approved” and that they will support it and thus reduce opposition.
Kan also maintained that the Israeli army is considering the possibility of expanding the ground maneuver to more areas of the Strip if an agreement is not concluded.
However, this comes as several voices opposed the completion of any such deal, as Israeli Settlement Minister Orit Struck indicated that the deal on the table regarding the Gaza Strip is “a clear victory for Hamas.”
Source: Al Mayadeen