According to information provided by Channel 12 correspondent Lee Naim, Israeli authorities estimate that the active phase of hostilities in the north could end in the next two weeks.
After this, it is possible to resume negotiations on the release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Currently, 101 Israelis remain captive, many of whom security services say are alive.
On October 4, a senior Israeli intelligence official told the hostages’ families that a deal would most likely be reached for their release once hostilities in the north ended. This foresight inspired the families of the hostages with hope for a speedy resolution of the situation.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities’ attention to the hostage issue has weakened somewhat amid the escalation in the north. Defense Minister Yoav Galant canceled two meetings with family members of the hostages, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to their meeting requests for more than two weeks. Other ministers also refrain from communicating with families, although they actively did so before the escalation.
According to sources close to the negotiation process, it is expected that in two or three weeks it will be possible to re-address the settlement issues in both the north and the south, as well as the implementation of the agreement for the release of the hostages.
Previously, Cursor reported that IDF special forces destroyed Hezbollah’s ammunition and mine depots.
The Defense Army carried out a large-scale operation to destroy terrorist bases located both on land and in underground mines in southern Lebanon.
