The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, citing informed sources, reported that the progress achieved has not yet reached the stage of sending an official delegation to negotiate. The sources indicated that the main disagreement still revolves around the terms for ending the war and the guarantees demanded by Hamas.
The Hebrew-language Walla news website reported that Dermer's visit, scheduled for Monday, aims to hold talks on the ceasefire in Gaza and the Iran issue, in addition to coordinating an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House.
For its part, Haaretz quoted an informed official as saying that the White House has placed the timing of Netanyahu's visit to Washington contingent on progress in talks being held by Dermer on ending the war. The White House official explained that Washington will demand that Dermer work to end the war and rescue the remaining prisoners, adding that dismantling Hamas could be considered later.
The US official expressed his country's optimism about the possibility of ending the war and releasing the Israeli prisoners, but noted that the extent of pressure the United States will exert on Israel remains unclear.
In contrast, Israeli officials expressed surprise on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's statements about the imminent conclusion of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, stressing that there were no indications of a change in the positions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Hamas.
Yedioth Ahronoth quoted unnamed officials familiar with the prisoner exchange talks as describing Trump's statements as "nothing more than political wishful thinking," given Netanyahu's adherence to partial conditions, including the disarmament of Palestinian factions, and his refusal to return to broader understandings. The opposition sees him as pursuing personal political interests and preserving his hold on power.
Israeli officials reported that the US administration is seeking to conclude a "comprehensive deal" that includes a ceasefire, the return of Israeli prisoners, and an end to the war, paving the way for expanding normalization agreements in the region. However, they said they have not received any notification of a real breakthrough in the prisoner exchange negotiations so far.
Officials added that contacts are ongoing through Qatari and Egyptian mediation, but have not achieved a breakthrough. They denied reports of an upcoming visit by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, stressing that there are no plans for him to visit the region.
Trump is believed to be seeking to capitalize on the momentum following the end of the confrontation between Israel and Iran to achieve additional political gains. Last May, Witkoff presented a proposal to Hamas to release half of the living hostages and half of the bodies of those killed within seven days of the agreement's implementation, in exchange for a 60-day truce during which indirect negotiations would be held for a permanent ceasefire.
In a related development, Trump said Sunday that Netanyahu is holding talks with Hamas to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza, indicating his desire to end the war as quickly as possible, with the possibility of reducing the scope of his envoy, Steve Witkoff's plan for the Strip.
Channel 13 reported that military officials will report to the political leadership that the ground operation in Gaza is nearing its end, and that continuing it could put the lives of prisoners at risk.
Trump stated on Friday, during a White House event, that a ceasefire in Gaza could be achieved within a week, stressing that efforts to achieve calm would continue after talks with the relevant parties.
Reports indicate that Trump and his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, held phone talks with Netanyahu and Ron Dermer, during which understandings were reached to end the war within two weeks.
The Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the potential agreement includes the release of hostages and the transfer of Hamas leaders to other countries as part of a broader regional settlement. It also includes Israel's willingness to discuss a two-state solution, provided reforms are undertaken within the Palestinian Authority.
Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has been subjected to US-backed Israeli military operations that have resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, including children and women, as well as widespread displacement and famine, leading to the deaths of many, according to international and local reports.
