Netanyahu Defends US Proposed Deal on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is defending the US proposed deal concerning the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as announced by the Prime Minister's Office following a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"The meeting lasted about three hours. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Israel's support for the American proposal for the release of hostages, which also takes into account Israel's security needs," the report states.

It is noted that from the perspective of Israeli authorities, the meeting was conducted in a "positive" manner and in a "good atmosphere." The Times of Israel reports that following the meeting with Blinken, Netanyahu agreed to send a high-level delegation to the Gaza negotiations later this week. This team is expected to include head of the Mossad intelligence agency David Barnea and head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Ronen Bar.

The Times of Israel also reminds that the US proposed a new offer in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas last week in Doha. The Palestinian faction rejected it.