Breaking: Netanyahu Signals Major Concession to Hamas – Is a Deal Finally Close?

In a high-stakes meeting of Israel’s security cabinet Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stunned cabinet members with what some described as “unprecedented flexibility” on one of the IDF’s most sensitive red lines: the Morag coriridor an east-west corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis, previously deemed vital for Israeli control in southern Gaza.

“There’s serious movement in Doha. Even if a deal isn’t signed tomorrow—we’re headed in that direction,” said a senior official who was present. “Netanyahu is signaling compromises he hasn’t considered until now.”

Talks in Doha Intensify

JFeed has learned that updated territorial maps were discussed in the cabinet meeting. A potential deal would likely make the "humanitarian zone" concept in Rafah obsolete. “There won’t be any such area if this deal goes through,” said a source familiar with the discussions.

Military sources confirm that the negotiations—facilitated in Doha—have reached a delicate stage, with the Israeli side under pressure to drop or delay the controversial plan to build a new “humanitarian city” to relocate Gaza civilians. Defense officials warn that Hamas perceives this move as a ploy for partial ceasefire—followed by resumed warfare.

According to reporting by Yaron Avraham (Channel 12), the IDF warned cabinet members that constructing such a city could take 3–5 months at best—and possibly over a year—costing an estimated $10–15 billion.

“That’s Too Long and Too Expensive”

Sources tell JFeed that Netanyahu erupted during the presentation, demanding a shorter, cheaper, and more pragmatic plan. “We need realistic timelines,” the PM reportedly said, instructing the National Security Council to return with a revised concept.

The humanitarian city is designed to be built between the Philadelphi Route and the Morag Axis and serve as a civilian enclave aimed at isolating Gaza’s population from Hamas militants and creating conditions for voluntary emigration.

But Hamas has vehemently rejected the idea. Palestinian sources involved in the talks told Kan News that the “city plan” is now the primary obstacle holding up the hostage negotiations.

Deri Absent from Cabinet as Haredi Crisis Grows

In a separate development, Shas leader Aryeh Deri usually a key participant in such meetings was absent from Sunday’s cabinet session. Sources attribute the move to mounting tensions between the ultra-Orthodox parties and the government over the stalled conscription law. As JFeed reported earlier, both UTJ and Shas are threatening to quit the coalition imminently unless the draft legislation is advanced.