Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly granted his negotiators in Doha broader authority to reach a deal with Hamas, as talks over Gaza continue. According to Israeli media, Israel has agreed in principle to a more extensive withdrawal of its forces from the Gaza Strip under a proposed ceasefire arrangement.

Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth indicate that Netanyahu has given the Israeli negotiating team wider latitude in discussions with Hamas in Doha. This move comes ahead of a key meeting of Israel’s security cabinet, which will review updates on the ongoing negotiations concerning Gaza.

The discussions have centered on ceasefire arrangements and a possible withdrawal map. Israeli media suggested that this new flexibility includes options for wider Israeli withdrawals and an openness to compromise over timelines and humanitarian provisions.

Israel Presents New Gaza Withdrawal Plan

According to Israeli Channel 13, a senior Israeli official in Doha confirmed that Israel has agreed to a broader withdrawal from Gaza. A new map, the third of its kind, outlines proposed Israeli military positions during a potential 60-day ceasefire period, focusing on reducing the military footprint in southern Gaza near the Rafah crossing.

Despite these moves, disputes persist between Israel and Hamas over key points: the precise scope and timing of Israeli withdrawals, the duration of any ceasefire, and the mechanisms for distributing humanitarian aid within Gaza.

Qatar, which is mediating the talks, confirmed that negotiations remain in an early phase, focused primarily on securing an initial agreement on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stressed that progress is ongoing and coordinated with Egypt and the United States.

Israel’s willingness to reduce its military footprint marks a shift in its posture after months of heavy operations in Gaza, though Netanyahu’s government has signaled that final approval would depend on the outcome of current and future talks.