Netanyahu Holds Emergency Consultations After Hamas Response Without Smotrich and Ben Gvir

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held emergency consultations on Friday evening following Hamas's announcement of its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's plan regarding Gaza, without the attendance of ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir.

The "Walla" website reported that the consultations included the heads of the security establishment, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, as Netanyahu discusses the next steps in light of Hamas's position. At the same time, Netanyahu is considering appointing Dermer to head the negotiating team that will head to Egypt, despite the nearing end of his term as minister, without making a final decision yet.

Netanyahu's office announced that Tel Aviv is preparing to implement the first phase of Trump's plan for the immediate release of all prisoners, emphasizing continued full cooperation with the U.S. president and his team to end the war according to the principles set by Israel that align with Trump's vision.

Hamas had delivered its response to Trump's plan to the mediators on Friday evening, confirming its readiness to stop the war and participate in negotiations for a prisoner exchange, while President Trump considered that the movement is ready for lasting peace and urged Israel to immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.