Israel is discussing an Egyptian cease-fire proposal that would see four hostages released in exchange for a two-day halt to the fighting in Gaza, an Israel official said Monday.
The official said the discussions were both internal and with Egyptian officials. “We are examining every possible option to advance a deal,” the official said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed enthusiasm for the deal in a meeting with his Likud party on Monday, according to another official.
The official, who attended the meeting, said Netanyahu told lawmakers that he would immediately take the Egyptian proposal. He quoted Netanyahu as saying, “I am ready, even now.”
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations about the proposal with the media.
Hamas has yet to formally respond to the plan.
Netanyahu’s office later issued a statement saying the head of Mossad Dedi Barnea returned today from Doha from his meeting with the head of the CIA and the Prime Minister of Qatar.
“At the meeting, the parties discussed a new unified outline that combines previous proposals and also takes into account the main issues and recent developments in the region,” Netanyahu’s office said.
“In the coming days, the discussions between the mediators and Hamas will continue to examine the feasibility of talks and continuing to try to promote a deal,” the office added.