The security establishment is considering a new proposal for a release deal, as pressure mounts on the political echelon to return to the negotiating table. This comes as the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip continues, and the families of those held captive by Hamas for about 70 days fear for their loved ones’ lives. The proposal involves exchanging the kidnapped individuals for the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar.
The IDF and army’s commando brigades are focusing on Khan Yunis, Sinwar’s neighborhood, which puts significant pressure on him. Large weapons caches are being uncovered in the area, and daily combat with terrorists is ongoing. While a proposal to release Sinwar in exchange for the abductees has been suggested, it is expected to be met with a negative response.
Reports of American pressure on Israel have raised concerns within the security establishment. There is a fear that if the intense fighting in the area is stopped and the army transitions to only targeted raids, it will be difficult to achieve new successes. As a result, the IDF may ask the political level to define clear goals and make decisions after developing a detailed operational plan.