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The Next Phase of the War

(Ynet News) Ron Ben-Yishai - The war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, has entered its next phase - the stage of political agreements. On Monday, negotiations will commence on the second stage of the hostage deal with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday. The negotiations on the second stage will focus on three main issues: Israel's demand for the release of all hostages; Hamas's demand for an end to the war, along with guarantees from the U.S. that Israel will uphold a lasting ceasefire; and Hamas's push for the release of hundreds of terrorists - not only convicted murderers but also high-risk individuals who could pose a severe security threat to Israel. In exchange for all remaining hostages, Hamas is demanding the release of key figures whose leadership and connections could enable the terror group to rebuild its military and operational networks. Meanwhile, Israel, with U.S. support, will aim to prevent that outcome - not only by ensuring Hamas is excluded from Gaza's civilian governance but also by blocking any military resurgence. Israel will also demand what it sought in the Lebanon agreement: the demilitarization of Gaza - removing weapons, military infrastructure and tunnels - to prevent another deadly attack on Israel in the future. However, Gaza lacks any governing or military authority capable of restraining Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In his meetings in Washington, Netanyahu is also expected to present Israel's new defense doctrine, shaped by the lessons of Oct. 7. This doctrine emphasizes a proactive strategy along all borders and in Israel's ongoing "campaign between wars," targeting military buildups in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and potentially Syria.
2025-02-02 00:00:00
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