Israeli Media: Gallant Issues Public Statement to Pressure Netanyahu for Agreement

According to Channel 13 Israel, the country's Defense Minister intends to issue a public statement indicating that Israel is 'on the verge' of a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages. The report states that Gallant's goal with this action is to increase pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to accept this agreement. This network has reported that Gallant believes Hamas is ready for an agreement, and although the proposed deal is not complete, the groundwork for achieving it has been laid. Arab and Israeli officials involved in the negotiations told the Times of Israel that in recent weeks, Netanyahu has raised new demands regarding Israel's continued presence at the Philadelphi Route and the establishment of a mechanism to prevent armed Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, which has slowed down the negotiations. The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 (15 Mehr) last year when militants from this Palestinian militant group and its allies attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Approximately 120 hostages remain in the custody of Hamas in Gaza, and this group has not released any news or information about their status. Israel and the United States consider Hamas a terrorist organization. In response to the Houthi drone attack, Israel called for 'crippling sanctions' against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. State Department: The U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv was not damaged in the Houthi attack. Israel: The deadly Houthi attack on Tel Aviv was carried out with an Iranian-made 'Samad-3' drone. Israeli Defense Minister: Military operations in Gaza have paved the way for an agreement regarding hostages. Netanyahu: I am 'not completely sure' about the death of Mohammad Deif; this attack sent a deterrent message to the Iranian government.