Netanyahu Holds Crucial Meeting on Gaza Future Amid Ceasefire or Renewed War Debate
Israeli media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a pivotal meeting at his office to determine the future course of action in Gaza, weighing the continuation of the ceasefire against a return to full-scale war.
According to Israel’s Channel 13, the Israeli military will present two main options during the meeting: advancing to the second phase of the U.S.-proposed plan for Gaza, or resuming broad military operations. The decision comes amid mounting internal political and security pressure on Netanyahu’s cabinet.
The meeting is scheduled just ahead of Netanyahu’s upcoming trip to the United States, where he is set to meet with President Donald Trump. Israeli sources suggest the visit’s outcome could affect key regional dossiers including Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, although no official details have been released.
Channel 13 reports that Washington has recently increased pressure on Israel to move into the second phase of the ceasefire. Simultaneously, Israeli security bodies are both preparing military options and exploring partial implementation of the U.S. proposal, which includes fully reopening the Rafah crossing, deploying international forces, and initiating Gaza’s reconstruction.
However, Hebrew-language sources indicate that Tel Aviv harbors serious doubts regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the potential role of international forces in governing Gaza—issues that could significantly complicate the implementation of the ceasefire’s second phase.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has stated that the issue of ceasefire violations in Gaza is “under review” and unveiled a plan to establish a body called the “Peace Council” to govern Gaza post-war—an institution he says will be introduced in early 2026.
Channel 13 also reports that Trump is seeking to host a trilateral summit with Netanyahu and the Egyptian president, aimed at addressing the future of Gaza and broader regional developments.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel began on October 10, 2025. However, reports indicate that Tel Aviv has repeatedly violated the deal and made the start of the second phase conditional on several issues, including the release of hostages.
