Netanyahu Pushes for Ceasefire Deal, Pledges to Defeat Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced cautious optimism on Thursday that a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas might soon be finalized.

Speaking with Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren before returning to Israel, Netanyahu said:

“I hope we can complete it in a few days,” referencing the ongoing indirect negotiations in Qatar, despite a lack of substantial progress.

Netanyahu indicated that a potential agreement would entail a 60-day ceasefire during which hostages would be released in phases, and negotiations to end the conflict could continue.

“We’ll probably have a 60-day ceasefire.

“Get the first batch out and then use the 60 days to try to negotiate an end to this,” he stated during the final day of his four-day U.S. visit.

His visit included two meetings with President Donald Trump.

“And this could end tomorrow, today, if Hamas lays down its arms.”

He expressed confidence in Israel’s broader war aims, saying, “We think we can bring it to completion… So I wouldn’t tell you that we have a war goal that is unachievable.

“We’re going to defeat these monsters and get our hostages back.”

While in the U.S., Netanyahu gave three interviews to American outlets, but none to Israeli journalists.

Meanwhile, concerns have emerged that Washington may resist any renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza after a ceasefire.

In response, Netanyahu issued a video statement reiterating Israel’s determination to continue military action if necessary.

“We were told, ‘You will not return to war,’ after the first ceasefire, and we did return… Do I need to say more?”

Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent declaration of war, ceasefires have occurred in both November 2023 and January 2025.

According to Israeli officials cited by The Times of Israel, the Trump administration has assured negotiators that it would not support renewed fighting by Israel after a 60-day truce.

Although this is not clearly stated in the text of the developing deal.

One major point of contention in the negotiations remains Israel’s ability to resume military operations after the ceasefire, especially following the planned release of 10 living and 18 deceased hostages.

Although diplomats are publicly optimistic, talks have yet to yield a breakthrough.

Hamas has voiced opposition to any deal that permits a continued Israeli military presence in Gaza.

Key demands include a full withdrawal, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and credible guarantees for a lasting truce.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told AFP, “We cannot accept the perpetuation of the occupation of our land and the surrender of our people to isolated enclaves under the control of the occupation army.”

He emphasized the group’s resistance to Israeli control over Rafah and the Morag Corridor linking it to Khan Younis.

In his Thursday address, Netanyahu said Israel is willing to discuss ending the war during the truce.

In his words, “should Hamas and Israel come to an agreement,” but under clear Israeli terms: “Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarized, Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities.

“These are our basic conditions.”

If those conditions are unmet, Israel will act independently.

“If this can be achieved through negotiations — that’s great.

If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army.”

In the Oval Office, Trump added, “We’re getting very close to a deal on Gaza.”

He echoed Netanyahu’s remarks about a “good chance” and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s belief that a resolution was “achievable.”

Addressing Israeli concerns over the length of the conflict, Netanyahu defended the ongoing efforts.

“This is a war zone that no army in the world has faced,” he said.

He acknowledged remaining Hamas fighters but noted that most of their military capability has been dismantled.

Regarding the order of hostage release, Netanyahu said, “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organization… I want to rescue everyone in one fell swoop.”

However, he added that Hamas has influence over the order of release during the 60-day truce.

Earlier that day, Netanyahu spoke at a memorial for Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, Israeli embassy employees murdered in Washington.

He told their families, “The agony of losing a brother is great.

“The agony of losing a son is greater,” and relayed Trump’s reaction to their photo: “What a beautiful couple.”

He concluded by reaffirming Israel’s strength and resolve: “We do not bow down.

“We do not surrender. We win.”

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