Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a closed-door security meeting on Tuesday with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to finalize Israel’s war strategy in Gaza. The session aimed to present “final proposals” before submitting them to the broader security cabinet for approval, according to Israeli media.

The meeting reportedly ended in tension, with deep disagreements between political and military officials over whether to continue the war or pursue a hostage deal first.

Washington Backs Ceasefire-First Approach

The White House reiterated that ending the war and securing the release of Israeli hostages are President Trump’s top priorities. In coordination with Netanyahu’s confidant Ron Dermer, currently visiting Washington, the U.S. is pushing for flexibility to advance a prisoner exchange with Hamas.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari said the U.S. is “serious” about brokering a deal but acknowledged “no formal talks are underway” due to complications on the ground.

Trump Demands Results, Threatens Aid Freeze

President Trump, in a Truth Social post, urged Netanyahu to secure a deal with Hamas and warned that continued U.S. aid could be in jeopardy. “We spend billions protecting Israel. The deal must be done,” he wrote, tying the swap to broader U.S. policy on Iran and Gaza.

Axios reports Tel Aviv wants a “swift and comprehensive” deal to return the estimated 50 Israeli captives in Gaza—only 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas has stated readiness to release all prisoners in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Palestinian detainees, terms Israel rejects.