A senior Israeli official has expressed skepticism regarding the permanence of any ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking in Washington anonymously, the official stated that a 60-day ceasefire “might” be achievable within “a week, two weeks – not a day”.
However, concerning the chances of the ceasefire lasting beyond 60 days, the official mentioned negotiations for a permanent settlement, emphasizing it’s uncertain whether it could be achieved, and that Hamas would not be part of it.
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to conclude his four-day visit to Washington today.
There were earlier hopes for a ceasefire announcement during the visit, with U.S. President Trump expressing optimism on the matter several times.
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Netanyahu arrives in US for ceasefire talks
Speaking to reporters, the Israeli official refrained from discussing any details of the negotiations, fearing public disclosure could jeopardize their success.
The main point of contention in negotiations between Hamas and Israel is the status of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza during the 60-day ceasefire and beyond, if it extends.
This includes a proposal submitted to Hamas by the Israelis, outlining a map depicting the suggested IDF presence in Gaza during the ceasefire.
Read more: What is the possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal?
Pic: Reuters
This was rejected by Hamas and by Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, who reportedly told the Israelis that the redeployment map “looks like a Smotrich plan”, a reference to extreme-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The official reiterated Israel’s main war objectives of rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas, but underscored the difficulty in conciliation, clarifying no permanent ceasefire could occur without Hamas’s complete removal.
“We will offer them a permanent ceasefire,” he said to Sky News. “If they agree. Fine. It’s over.
“They lay down their arms, and we proceed [with the ceasefire]. If they don’t, we’ll proceed [with the war].”
Regarding the status of the Israeli military in Gaza, the official stated: “We want IDF in every square meter of Gaza, then we can transfer control…”
“We don’t want to govern Gaza… don’t want to govern, but the first thing is, you have to defeat Hamas…”
Pic: Reuters
The official stated that the Israeli government “has no territorial ambitions for Gaza”.
“But we don’t want Hamas there,” he continued. “You must complete the task… victory over Hamas. You cannot achieve victory if you don’t root out all fighting forces.
“You have to go into every square inch unless you are not serious about victory. I am. We will defeat them. Those who do not disarm will perish. Those who disarm will live.”
On the future of Gaza, the official dismissed the possibility of a two-state solution “for the foreseeable future”.
“They won’t have a state in the foreseeable future as long as they cling to the notion of destroying our state. It makes no difference if it’s the Palestinian Authority or Hamas; it’s just a difference in tactics.”
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Regarding the controversially discussed aspect of population movement, the official predicts 60% of Palestinians “would choose to leave”.
But he claimed that Israel would permit their return once Hamas was eliminated, adding: “It’s not forced evacuation, it’s not permanent eviction.”
Critics of Israel’s war in Gaza argue that any removal of Palestinians, even if seemingly voluntary, is in fact anything but, given the extent of devastation in the strip.
In response to Israel Defence Minister Katz’s recent statement revealing plans to move Palestinians into a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza, without allowing them exit from that area, the official would not comment further, only to say: “As a permanent arrangement? Definitely not.”
