Netanyahu: Israel is in 'very complex negotiations'; we are ready for any threat

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, said on Sunday at the beginning of his weekly cabinet meeting that Israel still seeks to achieve its main demands in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages from Hamas. Netanyahu stated that his country is engaged in 'very complex negotiations,' while on the other side, according to him, there is an 'uncontrolled, stubborn, murderous terrorist organization.' He noted that the negotiations are bilateral, saying that Israel can show 'flexibility' on some issues while maintaining its positions on others without showing flexibility. Netanyahu added that his government, alongside efforts to bring back hostages, firmly stands by its positions 'which are essential for Israel's security' and, according to him, align with the White House's proposal from late May. The Israeli Prime Minister accused Hamas of refusing to send a negotiator to Qatar and said that 'pressures should be on Hamas and [Yahya] Sinwar, not the Israeli government.' Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated: 'Severe military pressure and severe diplomatic pressure are the way to achieve the freedom of our hostages.' In another part of his remarks, Netanyahu warned the Iranian government and Hezbollah in Lebanon that Israel is 'ready for any threat, both in defense and in attack.' The Israeli Prime Minister added: 'We are determined to defend ourselves and also determined to impose a heavy cost on any enemy that dares to attack us.' Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, traveled to Israel on Sunday after two days of ceasefire negotiations in Doha to meet with Israeli leaders and is scheduled to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that 'we are closer to an agreement than ever,' while an American official stated that the process is still not in its 'final stage.' This official, who spoke to Agence France-Presse on the condition of anonymity, stated that diplomats are creating an 'executive unit' to quickly advance the agreement once completed. According to a plan announced by the U.S. President in June, the war will be halted for six weeks during which negotiations for a permanent end will take place, and hostages and prisoners will be released. During the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 1200 citizens, mostly civilians, were killed, and over 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly, were taken hostage. In response to this terrorist attack, the Israeli army began its assault on Gaza with the aim of destroying Hamas and freeing the kidnapped hostages. Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada consider Hamas a terrorist group. The Israeli Defense Minister praised his country's pilots: 'We have the ability to attack anywhere.' Meanwhile, during the ceasefire negotiations, '19 people' were killed across Gaza in Israeli attacks. With hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza increasing, Blinken traveled to Tel Aviv to meet with Israeli leaders. An Israeli drone strike in the West Bank killed two 'senior Hamas terrorists,' according to the army. Hamas called Biden's statements about 'nearing a ceasefire' in Gaza 'delusional.' Egypt stated that if there is political will, a ceasefire in Gaza is possible. An American official said that the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations in Doha were 'very constructive.'