While there is no agreement on Witkoff’s proposal to secure the release of all hostages in two stages, mediators have suggested a compromise: small, possibly very limited, initial releases to create momentum for further negotiations in the coming days. Another option under consideration is adopting Witkoff’s proposal to release 10 hostages but doing so in smaller stages.
The Israeli delegation is expected to return home later Wednesday after two days of talks, though it remains unclear whether Witkoff will ask them to stay and continue negotiations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a security assessment this evening with ministers Israel Katz, Gideon Sa’ar, Bezalel Smotrich, and Ron Dermer, along with the heads of the Mossad, the Shin Bet, and National Security Council Chief Tzachi Hanegbi.