A senior political official told reporters on Monday that efforts are ongoing to reach a hostage deal and that an agreement could be finalized “within a few days.”
The official said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a two-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, regarding hostage deal negotiations and Gaza, and a separate two-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Both meetings were intended to prepare Trump ahead of his meeting with Netanyahu.
“President Trump requested that the prime minister bring his wife and son to the dinner,” the official noted, adding that a second meeting with Trump could be held if necessary.
“There is full and total coordination between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, including on the issue of the hostage deal,” the official emphasized.
While Hamas rejected the latest Qatari proposal, the official said the differences were “small” and that negotiations remain on track. “This might take more than just a few days,” he added.
The official also stressed that, from Israel’s perspective, a key component of the deal must involve stripping Hamas of its authority to control the distribution of humanitarian aid.
End of war means Gaza without Hamas, Netanyahu reiterates
On the broader question of ending the war in Gaza, the official said Netanyahu’s position is clear: “The end means Gaza without Hamas.” When asked who might govern the Gaza Strip, the official replied: “Perhaps Israel will control Gaza for a certain period. The prime minister isn’t afraid of that.”
Addressing recent tensions between ministers and the IDF chief of staff over Gaza operations and aid distribution—debated in recent cabinet meetings—the official said: “The prime minister trusts [IDF Chief of Staff] Eyal Zamir’s leadership. That doesn’t mean he has no criticism, but he hopes ministers will express their views in a more respectful manner.”
Israel seeks to preserve gains in Iran
Regarding Iran, the official reiterated that Israel is in full coordination with Trump. “Israel wants to preserve the gains in Iran—removal of enriched material and halting enrichment. How do you do that? ‘Bombs,’ he said.
He emphasized that the level of coordination with the US is unprecedented. “There has never been this kind of alignment or mutual trust between our two countries. The way we’ve worked together has taken coordination to a whole new level.”
The official also clarified that there was no American veto on the potential targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and that Israel did not, and does not need to, ask for a green light to strike Iran.
Symbolically, he noted that after the US B-2 bombers struck the Iranian nuclear sites at the entrance to the White House, Trump placed a portrait of President Harry Truman—the US leader who authorized the use of the atomic bomb.
“Trump has committed himself to fighting on Israel’s side, and that has changed global perceptions of him,” the official said.
In his conversation with the president, Netanyahu reportedly stated: “When there is full coordination, Israel can greatly enhance its capabilities.”
Regional shifts also bring Syria and Lebanon into play
The official also addressed potential regional shifts following an Israeli strike in Iran, particularly regarding Syria and Lebanon. However, he cautioned, “It’s too early to talk about any agreement.” He made clear that Israel opposes any scenario in which Turkey would be allowed to establish military bases in Syria.
Finally, when asked about Trump’s recent social media post referencing Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, the official said: “In every conversation, Trump brings it up on his own initiative,” and added: “The trial has collapsed.”