Israel Katz: We are for a hostage deal, even a partial one

Defense Minister Israel Katz gave a classified briefing today (Monday) before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, where he explained his approach to a range of issues, including a brewing hostage deal, according to Army Radio.

Katz said that "we are the closest we've been to a significant deal since the previous deal. Hostages are the number one goal of the war as far as we are concerned. We will do everything to bring them home, we are for a deal, even if it is partial."

Regarding Lebanon, Katz said that Hezbollah instructed all its forces and armed men to "fold" and retreat beyond the Litani. He also said that the IDF is enforcing the ceasefire with "zero tolerance."

Katz also addressed the danger presented by Iran and its nuclear program, saying that all defense systems are preparing to deal with Iran. In response to a question by one of the MKs, he said if a diplomatic solution can be had then so be it, but he assesses the odds of this to be very low - and Israel is therefore preparing for a military solution.