Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the conclusion of Israel’s 12-day war with Iran had created strategic opportunities, foremost among them the potential return of hostages still held in Gaza by Palestinian militants since the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Speaking during a visit to a Shin Bet security facility, Netanyahu emphasised that “many opportunities have opened up now following this victory,” adding, “First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks.”
His comments came as the Jerusalem District Court granted a postponement of Netanyahu’s testimony in his long-running corruption trial, citing diplomatic and security considerations. The decision, coupled with U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that the trial could interfere with key negotiations, fueled speculation that progress may be underway in securing a ceasefire and a hostage deal.
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said on Friday that the outcome of the Iran conflict, which ended on June 24, could aid Israeli goals in Gaza, particularly against the Iran-backed Hamas group. Israeli media reported that the security cabinet convened on Sunday evening and would meet again on Monday. Meanwhile, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is expected at the White House for discussions on Iran and Gaza.
Advocacy groups welcomed Netanyahu’s emphasis on the hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called it a long-overdue shift in government priorities. “The families of the hostages welcome the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister,” the group said in a statement. Of the 50 remaining hostages, only 20 are believed to be alive.
The U.S. has floated a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, including the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and remains. A full truce would follow the release of the remaining hostages. Trump said Saturday that Netanyahu was “right now” negotiating with Hamas, though details remain unclear.
On the ground, Israel issued new evacuation orders in northern Gaza ahead of expected military escalations. A Hamas official confirmed to Reuters that the group was ready to resume mediated talks, but reiterated that any deal must include a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—conditions Israel continues to reject unless Hamas is dismantled and disarmed.
The conflict has already taken a devastating toll. According to Israeli figures, Hamas killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 during the October 7 assault. In response, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and displaced nearly all of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
REUTERS/S.S