Two and a half months after the start of the ground maneuver in Lebanon and about a week since IDF forces entered the buffer zone along the Syrian border, a senior government official assessed that “we are not there yet, but the end of the war is nearing,” as reported this morning by Israel Hayom. According to this senior official, several factors indicate that the end is approaching. He stated: “The most significant one is that Trump wants to see the end. This administration creates opportunities.”
Numerous reports about a possible hostage deal have surfaced recently. On this matter, the senior official said: “The war will not end before Trump enters the White House, but as long as the axis is severely weakened and the situation in Lebanon remains stable, perhaps even a hostage deal being formed could lead to the end of the war.” He further added: “The deal is progressing. Hamas is the only party that has resisted a deal until now. Already in September, we heard all the top American officials say that Hamas is blocking a deal, but the changes in recent weeks have made them move. The Iranians suffered a severe blow; for two months, they threatened but ultimately did nothing, and Hezbollah is out of the equation. Add to this Trump’s threats, and you can see that Hamas is left alone. This impacts them.”
Netanyahu: “We Will Continue Tirelessly to Bring All the Hostages Home”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted last night on the X network, writing: “Hamas’ propaganda video campaign is cruel and malicious psychological warfare. I am in continuous contact with the families of the hostages, who are enduring a terrible and prolonged nightmare. I have said and I repeat: whoever harms our hostages – their blood is on their heads. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring all the hostages home, both the living and the fallen.”
