Israeli media reports suggest a coordinated Israeli-American push to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, ending weeks of uncertainty over its implementation. According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, Israel and the United States reached an understanding after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his visit to Washington. The ceasefire agreement, which entered into force on 10 October 2025, has faced repeated delays and violations, with Israel frequently accused of stalling the transition to the next stage. The reported accord is framed as a political green light rather than a signed document, but it signals a shift after what Israeli media described as a prolonged impasse.

“Agreement Reached” Message

KAN cited unnamed Israeli sources saying the blockage that had slowed progress was overcome following Netanyahu’s talks with US officials, including former president Donald Trump. Israeli media used emphatic language, reporting that a “agreement reached,” or agreement was reached, on moving forward. While no official joint statement was released, the timing is notable: Netanyahu’s US visit ended days before the report aired, reinforcing the perception of close coordination. The ceasefire itself has been in effect for roughly three months, yet its second phase has remained dormant despite being embedded in the original framework.

Operational Elements of Phase Two

The reported outline of the second phase contains concrete operational steps. According to KAN, Israel is preparing to reopen the Rafah Border Crossing in the near term, a key gateway between Gaza and Egypt. The broadcaster also said preparations were continuing for a plan to establish a new city in the Rafah area, one in which neither Hamas nor the Israeli military would be present. This element reflects an attempt to create a security buffer while addressing displacement and administration challenges in southern Gaza. These steps are described as preparatory, not final actions, underscoring the fragile sequencing of the ceasefire.

Governance, Security, and Withdrawal Trade-Offs

Beyond Rafah, the second phase includes a wide set of obligations already written into the ceasefire text. These include forming a temporary technocratic committee to govern Gaza, launching a reconstruction process, and establishing a peace council to oversee implementation. Other provisions call for the deployment of an international force, a broader Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the disarmament of Hamas. Each element carries significant political and security trade-offs, particularly the balance between Israeli withdrawal and international oversight. Israeli media stress that implementation would unfold gradually, reflecting sensitivities around security control, governance legitimacy, and enforcement mechanisms.