Israeli Army Chief Says Conditions Set for Hostage Deal With Hamas

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Gaza: Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced on Sunday that the army has created conditions in Gaza that could allow for a captives deal with Hamas, urging the government to move forward with the proposal now on the table.

Speaking during a visit to the Haifa naval base, Zamir referred to what he called the “improved Witkoff framework,” a deal designed to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. “There is a deal on the table, we need to take it,” he said, according to reports from Channel 13 news.

Zamir stressed that final approval lies with the government, saying it is now in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hands to decide whether to proceed.

Warning on Hostage Safety

The army chief underlined the risks of delaying an agreement, warning that any large-scale military operation in Gaza City could endanger the lives of hostages. “There is great danger to the lives of the hostages in taking over Gaza City,” Zamir cautioned, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Military Pressure and Negotiations

In a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Zamir said that recent military operations under the “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign had achieved their goals, creating leverage for negotiations. “As a result of the military pressure, we created the conditions for the release of the hostages,” the statement read.

The remarks indicate that Israel’s military leadership believes the combination of battlefield gains and international mediation has built a moment of opportunity for a potential exchange deal.

While the army has voiced readiness, the decision ultimately depends on Israel’s political leadership. Netanyahu has faced pressure both from families of hostages demanding urgent action and from political allies urging continued military operations.

Zamir’s comments reflect a rare public push from within the military ranks for the government to act quickly. Observers note that such statements may increase domestic pressure on Israeli leaders to approve the proposal.

For now, the future of the hostages rests on whether political leaders choose negotiation over further escalation.