Israel denies hostage deal progress but remains cautiously optimistic while IDF prepares for return to war

Contrary to claims made by Hamas leaders, Israeli sources said there was no concrete progress in the talks about an extension of the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening.

However, Israeli media reported that the government is cautiously optimistic that an agreement to extend the ceasefire and hostage release deal by several weeks could still be reached.

Meanwhile, the political echelon instructed the IDF and its new chief of staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, to continue preparations for a return to war if the negotiations fail.

On Saturday, Israel's Channel 12 News reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several senior ministers were set to hold a telephone consultation about the negotiations in the evening.

The security cabinet is scheduled to meet on Sunday for further discussions on the issue

Over the weekend, Hamas spokesman Abd al-Latif al-Qanua said the group had seen “positive indicators” toward an extension during talks with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, prompting the Israeli denial.

Channel 12 reported on Thursday, that the Israeli negotiating team estimates Hamas could agree to extend the first phase of the deal by releasing more hostages in exchange for several Israeli concessions.

The report added that Israel will likely allow several more days for the talks to succeed, particularly due to the efforts of White House envoy Steve Witkoff.

Meanwhile, U.S.-led direct talks with Hamas, which had drawn Israel’s ire, have achieved no results so far, Kan News reported.

Thank you President Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists. https://t.co/n49QOk3zsH

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 8, 2025

After initially expressing anger at the Trump administration for not being informed beforehand and reportedly leaking details of the secret talks, Netanyahu publicly thanked U.S> President Donald Trump on Saturday for his efforts to free the hostages.

“Thank you POTUS Donald Trump for once again boldly supporting Israel in our just war against the monstrous Hamas terrorists,” Netanyahu wrote on his 𝕏 account

While the IDF will probably hold off on a military escalation for now, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel will pursue a “series of escalatory steps” to gradually increase pressure on Hamas.

Israeli ministers are already demanding further action, according to Channel 12.

“The water and electricity supply should have been cut off already, we must not give Hamas a free gift while it is delaying the release of hostages,” an unnamed minister told the news channel.

Another report added that the IDF has already chosen a code name for its next operation in Gaza, which will reportedly be much larger than previous raids.

In another clear sign of preparations for a new escalation, the IDF announced the second cancelation of a large forest planting event planned in the Gaza Envelope area “in accordance with the situation assessment.”

However, the military added that for now, “there are no changes in the instructions for the homefront.”