As Israel moves on Gaza City and calls for Hamas talks, Trump remains silent
Opposition leaders have offered Prime Minister Netanyahu a "safety net" for a ceasefire, vowing to support his government if extremists try to bring it down as a result of a deal.
TEL AVIV — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week multiplied and amplified his declarations threatening an imminent offensive in Gaza City but also announced the restart of talks with Hamas on a ceasefire deal, seemingly keeping his options open.
The Israeli premier has proven himself a consummate juggler over his many years in power and is once again displaying those skills. In a brief video released Thursday, Netanyahu said that Israel had "reached a decisive moment," adding that he had approved plans for the military takeover of Gaza City to deal Hamas a decisive blow. He added, "At the same time, I have given instructions for the immediate start of negotiations on the release of all our hostages and an end to the war, under conditions acceptable to Israel. Both things, beating Hamas and freeing our hostages, go hand in hand."
His comments, following a second visit this week to an army base in southern Israel, represented the first Israeli response to Hamas' announcement on Monday that it had accepted the latest proposal by mediators to end the 22-month war.
Holding the stick at both ends
