Netanyahu Defies Partial Hostage Deal: "Current Proposal is 'No Longer Relevant'"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expedited military operation to capture Gaza City, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s remaining strongholds, despite warnings from security officials about potential harm to hostages and soldiers. The decision, announced on August 20, 2025, comes as Hamas responded to a proposed hostage release deal, which Israel has yet to formally discuss. Defense Minister Israel Katz supports the military escalation, arguing it could force Hamas into a comprehensive agreement. “Against a partial deal, we must pursue Hamas’s defeat,” Katz said in closed-door IDF discussions. “I believe starting the maneuver and entering Gaza will push Hamas to agree to a comprehensive deal.”

Netanyahu, backed by the U.S., dismissed the partial deal, which could free 8 to 10 living hostages, as insufficient. His office stated, “This proposal is no longer relevant; we’re now only discussing Gaza’s conquest.” A senior government official added, “Netanyahu is less interested in a partial deal. He understands it’s not right and that resuming fighting after a 60-day ceasefire would be very difficult.” Israel’s five-point plan for ending the war includes disarming Hamas, securing all hostages (alive or deceased), demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining Israeli security control, and establishing a non-Hamas, non-Palestinian Authority civil administration.

Security officials, however, caution that expanding the war is a “big gamble” that could cost lives. They note a real chance to free 8 to 10 hostages, but Hamas is unlikely to surrender or release hostages voluntarily. Behind the scenes, negotiators are still reviewing Hamas’s proposal, with one security source saying, “If there’s a will, the chance for a deal under Witkoff’s framework has significantly strengthened.” Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged Israel to seize the opportunity for a 60-day truce, accusing it of “deliberately starving Palestinians.” He told U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that Israel must “preserve the hostages’ lives, alleviate Gaza’s suffering, and ensure humanitarian aid access.”

Netanyahu’s office emphasized urgency, stating, “The Prime Minister has instructed to shorten timelines for capturing the remaining terror strongholds and defeating Hamas.” He expressed gratitude to reservists and IDF soldiers, adding, “Together, we will prevail.” The security cabinet is set to convene tomorrow to finalize the Gaza City operation plans, already approved by Katz. Meanwhile, Egypt and mediators continue pressing for a ceasefire, warning of escalating humanitarian crises, despite the UN reporting multiple false starvation deaths claims in Gaza.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage, with 50 remaining, about 20 believed alive. Netanyahu’s push for military pressure over negotiations has drawn criticism from hostage families and international allies, fearing further escalation could doom the remaining captives.