Hebrew Channel 12: Israeli security chiefs press for prisoner exchange, oppose Gaza occupation gamble

Channel 12 (Hebrew) revealed on Friday evening that Israeli security chiefs intend, during the decisive cabinet session scheduled for next Sunday on the occupation of Gaza City, to push for concluding a prisoner-exchange deal, considering any other decision a “serious gamble” at the expense of the lives of soldiers and captives.

The channel quoted a senior security official as saying that “the return of hostages alive was possible last week,” adding that “there is a deal ready on the table that Israel fought for, and it must be accepted in order to recover the hostages and use the ceasefire to reach an end to the fighting.”

He pointed out that betting on Hamas surrender if Gaza City is stormed is a risky option.

Alternative deal to occupying Gaza

According to the channel, security chiefs, including National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi, back Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s move toward an exchange deal — the deal Hamas approved last week under a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff — which calls for the release of ten Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire.

Those leaders expressed surprise at the cabinet’s refusal to discuss a proposal that Israel had previously agreed to and that Netanyahu signed about half a year ago, saying that accepting it is the least risky option.

Internal divisions and sidelining of the security establishment

The Hebrew channel pointed to a deep rift between the political level and the security agencies, with senior security leaders feeling sidelined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who make decisions on Gaza away from the mini-cabinet and the security bodies.

Security sources said the dispute is not confined to the prisoner deal or the Gaza occupation plan, but extends to Netanyahu’s lack of transparency, as he does not brief the security establishment on detailed plans, which has led to rising tensions.

Political pressure in Washington

According to the channel, Israeli security agencies are following with concern the talks in Washington led by Dermer on behalf of Netanyahu over a prisoner-exchange deal and the “day after” of the war on Gaza, warning that prolonging these negotiations will put the lives of those held captive at risk.

Stopping aid to Gaza

In a related context, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 reported that Israel will stop in the coming days dropping humanitarian aid by air into Gaza City and will also reduce the entry of aid into the northern Strip.

This measure is being used as pressure to force about 800,000 Palestinians to be forcibly displaced to the southern Strip in preparation for the occupation of Gaza City.

Earlier, the Israeli army announced it had halted what it described as the “local tactical ceasefire” in Gaza City as of Friday morning, calling the city a “dangerous combat area,” in a decision taken by the political level.