כיכר השבת

Sa'ar: Israel Said 'Yes' to US Ceasefire Plan, Hamas Hasn't

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in a press conference with Austria's Foreign Minister: "Israel is serious in its intention to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza. We said 'yes' to the proposals of American envoy Steve Witkoff again and again. Unfortunately, until this moment Hamas has not done so. It is now critical that Europe support the American ceasefire initiative and shatter Hamas's illusions." On expanding the circle of peace and normalization, Sa'ar said: "We paid for the new reality in the Middle East with the blood of our soldiers and citizens. But this reality also creates opportunities. Israel is interested in expanding the circle of the Abraham Accords. We have an interest in bringing countries like Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, into the circle of peace and normalization, while preserving our vital and security interests. Israel applied its laws to the Golan Heights more than 40 years ago and in any peace agreement - the Golan will remain an inseparable part of the State of Israel."