Israeli Officials Express Optimism Over Cease-Fire Talks With Hamas
- Partial troop withdrawal may be signal to Hamas on deal
- Far-right coalition partners express alarm and threats
Senior Israeli officials said progress has been made in negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza that would include the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, a move that drew criticism from far-right ministers who threatened to bring down the government.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told military recruits that progress in the war has allowed Israel “to make difficult decisions to return the hostages. I think we are at an appropriate point.” A session of the security cabinet, which generally meets on Thursday evening, has been called for Tuesday, Israeli TV channels reported.