Hostage Deal Approval Delayed: Cabinet Meeting Runs Late, Government Vote Postponed

The final approval for the first phase of the hostage deal, announced by US President Donald Trump late Wednesday night, is facing a significant delay in Israel. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that the initial phase of the agreement was signed in Egypt this morning (Thursday). The security cabinet was originally scheduled to convene at 5:00 PM to approve the details of the agreement and the release of Palestinian prisoners. A full government vote was planned for 6:00 PM.

However, as of 6:00 PM, the cabinet session had not yet begun, and the government meeting was postponed until 8:00 PM. The delay comes as officials finalize the last minute details of the complex arrangement.

Key Terms and Implementation Timeline

Once approved, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will take effect. According to the deal, all 48 hostages, both living and deceased, are to be released within 72 hours. However, an Israeli source indicated that the assessment is that Hamas cannot locate all the bodies of the deceased hostages, and some may not be transferred within that initial timeframe.

The government's approval is required to greenlight the release of Palestinian prisoners: 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gaza residents who were detained after the October 7 massacre but were not involved in the attack itself.

Life-sentence prisoners will be deported to Gaza or to foreign countries willing to accept them. Negotiations for their relocation have already begun, with Turkey and Qatar expected to receive the majority of the most severe offenders.

An Egyptian source confirmed a five-day implementation timeline:

Regarding the deceased hostages, Hamas has committed to handing over those whose locations it knows with certainty, but claimed it does not know the exact whereabouts of nine out of the 28 deceased captives. A joint task force including Israel, the US, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar will be established to search for the remaining bodies.

Israeli Officials Prepare for Ceasefire and Beyond

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated in an interview that Israel has "no intention of renewing the war," suggesting the deal will bring about the end of the war after the hostages are released, with a commitment that a future condition for peace is the demilitarization of Hamas. He expressed confidence that the current governing coalition would survive the political fallout, noting that general elections are slated for next year regardless.

Prior to the delayed cabinet and government meetings, Defense Minister Katz held a situation assessment with key military figures. Gallant's office released a statement instructing the IDF "to respond with great force to any threat and any attack by Hamas against our forces in the interim phase," from before the government decision until the agreement is fully implemented.