ALBAWABA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold security consultations on Friday to assess the possibility of halting the ongoing prisoner exchange deal and resuming military operations in Gaza. The discussions coincide with U.S. envoy Steve Whitkoff’s visit to Israel and Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump.
According to Channel 12, while Israel does not anticipate the failure of the prisoner exchange, officials are preparing for all scenarios. Israeli Prisoner Affairs Coordinator Gal Hirsch stated that Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump will be key in shaping the next phase of negotiations.
The second phase of the deal is expected to begin in early March, following the completion of the initial 42-day ceasefire period.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has warned that if the second phase leads to ending the war without achieving its objectives, he will push to topple the government. Calling the deal “catastrophic for Israeli security,” he insisted that Israel must return to war.
Smotrich also claimed that “regional actors privately urge Israel to destroy Hamas completely.” He justified remaining in the government by saying he was assured “Netanyahu and Trump are committed to eliminating Hamas as a ruling power in Gaza.”
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel has asked the EU to deploy a monitoring mission at the Rafah crossing. The EU is expected to station up to 100 border officers, while Palestinian Authority officials will manage the crossing, with Israeli forces maintaining a presence nearby.
Israel’s public broadcaster confirmed that the Rafah border crossing will open Friday instead of Sunday, aligning with the release of the last group of Israeli female soldiers held in Gaza.
