Stage two or extended stage one? Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss hostage deal this week

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing his options regarding the continuation of the hostage deal to the second phase, which would require that Israel declare a permanent end to the war, according to a number of sources speaking to Israeli media.

One source said that Israel is discussing the possibility of extending the conditions of the first phase of the deal with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

He also said that Mossad Director Dedi Barnea is happy with the expected appointment of Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer as head of the Israeli negotiation team, contrary to reports that Dermer was a choice meant to hamstring negotiations.

A political cabinet discussion "regarding negotiations in the second phase" is reportedly going to take place on Tuesday or Thursday.

Netanyahu has been under strong pressure from both sides of his coalition on the question of completing a hostage deal whose terms include a permanent end to the war while formally leaving Hamas in power.

Dovish elements in his coalition, especially within Shas and the Haredi parties, have openly called on the Prime Minister to bring all the hostages home, regardless of the cost.

More hawkish elements, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party but also including elements within Netanyahu's own Likud party, have insisted that the release of all the hostages must be achieved alongside the destruction of Hamas as a governing and military force, and not in place of it.

Netanyahu himself reiterated his commitment to both war aims following the release of three additional hostages yesterday, and the widespread public shock at their poor, emaciated condition.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar released a video statement responding to the public shock which articulated much the same sentiments, arguing that the "Nazi" danger of Hamas needed to be eradicated, not tolerated in a weakened state.