Israeli media: Prisoner deal possible, ground invasion option remains
3 Min Read
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reveals the possibility of the Israeli government releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives in Gaza.
-
Israeli tanks head towards the Gaza Strip border on Thursday, Oct.12, 2023. (AP)
Israeli media reported on Wednesday, citing high-level sources in the occupation entity, that there is an opportunity to reach a deal with Qatari mediation to release a large number of Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli news daily Yedioth Ahronoth, sources confirmed that negotiations on this deal will not cancel out the attempt of a ground invasion and that it "will come into effect," indicating the need to exploit the existing opportunity to conclude a deal, as "the chances of reaching a broad deal will decrease dramatically."
The Israeli newspaper's diplomatic affairs correspondent, Itamar Eichner, reported that the window to reach a deal is narrowing significantly because "Israel is running out of time," pointing out that Hamas will be flexible if "Israel" sets a deadline for the Qataris and Americans regarding a ground invasion into Gaza.
Meanwhile, according to Eichner, Hamas is exploiting the situation, preferring to release a few prisoners at a time to "buy time."
Read next: Biden claims he did not request Netanyahu to delay Gaza invasion
No alternative to ground invasion
Regarding the deliberations that took place at high political and military levels, Eichner noted there were two points to consider: the period of time tens of thousands of reservists have waited for a ground invasion, in addition to the time Palestinian factions have had to prepare themselves, and the issue of releasing the prisoners.
The daily's correspondent pointed out that Israeli officials have confirmed that there is no alternative to a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip, especially with their assessment that "Hamas' leadership exists underground."
Read next: Netanyahu says Gaza ground invasion imminent, does not state when
In turn, the Mafzak Live website reported that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and US President, Joe Biden spoke on Wednesday, indicating that this call likely came in the wake of Netanyahu's announcement of readiness for a ground invasion into Gaza at the appropriate time.
Delaying invasion to prepare US bases
Moreover, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing US officials, that Netanyahu is seeking to delay the commencement of a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip. According to the sources, this is owed to his skepticism regarding the current strategies proposed by his military leaders.
They also said that Biden is cautious about rushing into a ground invasion and is aiming to provide additional time and support for the Israeli military.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, citing Israeli and American officials informed of the matter, "Tel Aviv" has agreed to delay its ground invasion of Gaza in time for Washington to make the necessary arrangements to protect its military bases in the region from possible attacks following the invasion of Gaza.
The Pentagon is reportedly rushing to deploy around a dozen air defense systems in the region to shield US troops, stationed in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, from possible missile and rocket attacks.
