Israel has sent a threatening message to Hamas: If you do not agree to a hostage deal in the next few days, we will begin punitive measures.
Kan News quoted a senior Israeli official who said that one of the measures being considered is the annexation of the buffer zone created by the IDF in the perimeter of the Gaza Strip. According to the report, the Israelis sent a message on the matter to the mediators.
After completing Operation Gideon’s Chariots without reaching a breakthrough on the hostages, the defense establishment is considering several alternatives, including the annexation of territory, enacting martial law, and imposing a “siege” on population centers in the Gaza Strip.
Various media also report that the Trump administration has agreed to these plans. There has been no comment from The White House.
A breakthrough in hostage negotiations seems unlikely as does Hamas laying down its arms. Should Israel proceed with “punitive measures,” that means the only path forward is for Israel to declare sovereignty – NOW!