Netanyahu: No Implementation of Trump's Plan Before the Release of All Prisoners

SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday that Israel will not begin implementing any part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for calm in Gaza before the release of all Israeli prisoners held by the Palestinian resistance factions in the sector.

This came during a meeting he held with members of the "Heroism Forum," which represents the families of soldiers killed in the October 7 attack and the war on Gaza, against the backdrop of international efforts for a prisoner exchange deal led by Washington, according to a joint statement.

Netanyahu said, addressing representatives of the families: "Until the last captives return to Israel, we will not move on to any other item." He reiterated his commitment that the release of all captives, both living and deceased, is a prerequisite for starting any of the provisions of Trump's plan.

He continued: "We will not move on to any provision of the 21 items in the plan before completing the implementation of the first item related to the release of all captives, both living and deceased," adding: "Until the last captive, all of them, are not returned to Israeli territory, we will not move on to any other item." He noted that this comes amid pressure on Hamas resulting from "American pressure and the movement's international and Arab isolation."

However, Netanyahu reiterated his position regarding the administration of Gaza after the war: "The Palestinian Authority will not control Gaza the day after. There will be no representatives from Hamas or representatives of the Authority participating. The State of Israel will be responsible and involved in the disarmament in the sector."

Netanyahu indicated that Israel will return to "fighting" if Hamas does not adhere to the schedules set by President Trump, asserting that Israel "has full support from all Western powers" in this option if necessary.

In related news, Israeli media sources indicated that Netanyahu will hold a security meeting this evening at five o'clock with the participation of senior leaders of the security agencies, and for the first time with the new head of the Shin Bet, Tzachi (David) Zini.