IDF may temporarily withdraw from Gaza to advance hostage deal Sources say

The IDF may temporarily pull back from Gaza to facilitate the first phase of a hostage deal.

High-level defence sources revealed the plans in a conversation with Israeli media, Caliber.Az reports.

This potential move comes as mediators from Egypt, Hamas, and the United States work to finalize the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to discuss the deal with senior U.S. officials during his three-day visit to Washington, which began July 22 night. To emphasize his dedication to securing the agreement, Netanyahu brought with him released hostages and their relatives, including Noa Argamani, who was rescued, and her father.

Despite facing criticism from some defence officials for not being flexible enough on key issues, particularly regarding Israel’s need to retain security control over Gaza, Netanyahu has defended his position. Sources suggest that withdrawing from Gaza for up to 42 days could allow for the release of between 18 to 33 hostages from a remaining total of 120, without compromising Israel’s security significantly.

The recent announcement of the deaths of hostages Yagev Buchshtab and Alex Dancyg has underscored the urgency of securing their release. The IDF had previously taken operational control of northern Gaza by mid-January but had reduced its presence there for several months before re-entering.

Defence sources have indicated that effective security solutions could be implemented on the Philadelphia Corridor even after an IDF withdrawal and that the IDF could return swiftly if necessary. They also noted that Hamas has already concealed numerous weapons in northern Gaza, which could be easily accessed by its fighters upon their return.

While some sources believe Netanyahu may be deliberately delaying or attempting to sabotage the deal, there remains hope that he might eventually agree to it, possibly with a plan to withdraw IDF forces before Phase II and after securing the release of some hostages.

Netanyahu has consistently maintained that he is working to secure the best possible deal, emphasizing that his key security demands are essential for the defeat of Hamas.

U.S. officials have reported that negotiations are close to resolving the remaining issues, with ongoing discussions involving other mediators and Israel. An Israeli negotiating team is scheduled to travel to Doha on Thursday to continue talks aimed at finalizing the deal, which also seeks to include a temporary ceasefire and the release of Palestinian security prisoners from Israeli jails. The U.S. hopes to use this deal as a foundation for a permanent ceasefire.