כיכר השבת

Full Hostage Deal Draft Sent to Israel Differs from Arabic Version

Channel 12’s Dafna Liel reports that the full draft of the proposed hostage deal—transmitted to Israeli officials—differs significantly from the Arabic-language version published yesterday. One key change appears in Clause 3: the revised draft states clearly that humanitarian aid distribution will be handled solely by the United Nations and its agencies. This contrasts with the earlier impression that the matter remained subject to negotiation between the sides. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has consistently called aid control a strategic lever in defeating Hamas, considers this clause critical to Israel’s position. Further review of the draft is underway as Israeli decision-makers assess its implications for both military and political strategy.