Israel’s security cabinet convened late on Sunday, August 31, 2025, for the second time in less than a week, as the government faces mounting pressure and complex decisions regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the fate of hostages held by Hamas. Yet, despite the urgency surrounding the partial plan for a hostage deal, which Hamas has reportedly agreed to, the proposal once again did not appear on the cabinet’s agenda. The omission underscored a shift in Israel’s strategic priorities, as military and political leaders focus on preparing for a major operation in Gaza City while the prospects for a negotiated release of the remaining hostages remain uncertain.
The Diplomatic-Security Cabinet’s meeting, which stretched overnight until nearly 2:00 a.m. Monday, lasted close to six hours, according to Israel Hayom. During this marathon session, ministers were presented with detailed war plans for Gaza City, reflecting recent modifications based on demands raised in prior meetings. The tone in the cabinet was described as conciliatory, with Chief of Staff Eyald Zamir earning praise for his commitment to executing the directives of the political leadership—regardless of personal opinions among military leaders.
National-Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline positions, called for a formal vote against the partial hostage deal. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the need for such a vote, stating plainly, “A partial deal is not on the table.” He reiterated that Israel’s objective remains the annihilation of Hamas, not the pursuit of a limited agreement that would leave the group’s leadership intact. This stance echoed the position of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had previously demanded a full break from any partial deal framework.
Throughout the meeting, the ministers examined comprehensive plans for the conquest of Gaza City. These plans included provisions for a siege, with Smotrich and other ministers advocating that civilians be given an opportunity to leave before the operation’s full force is brought to bear. There was also a strong push for humanitarian aid—specifically, food distribution—to be conducted solely under Israeli supervision, a measure intended to prevent resources from falling into Hamas’s hands and to demonstrate Israel’s control over the situation.
Netanyahu addressed the cabinet and the nation about the looming operation, tying it closely to the government’s commitment to the return of all hostages. “This operation reflects our commitment to bringing back all our hostages. I remind you that we have so far returned 207, including 148 living hostages. We will bring them all back – both the living and the deceased. The cabinet has made its decision on the matter – the defeat of Hamas and the release of all our hostages, through a great effort, and the IDF has already started to implement this decision. I wish to express my appreciation for the reserve and regular soldiers who are preparing for the mission of liberation and victory,” Netanyahu stated, as reported by Israel Hayom.
While the cabinet did not deliberate on a new hostage return agreement—citing a lack of progress—sources familiar with the ongoing diplomatic efforts noted that discussions for a potential deal remain active. These talks, aimed at finding a formula to secure the hostages’ release, could continue even as military operations resume in Gaza City. The recent elimination of a Hamas spokesman over the weekend has sparked some optimism among Israeli officials that the terror group may become more flexible in negotiations, though no concrete breakthroughs have been reported.
Militarily, preparations for the Gaza operation are being finalized. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have begun to implement the cabinet’s decision, with both reserve and regular soldiers mobilized for what is being described as a mission of liberation and victory. The government’s approach is to combine military pressure with ongoing diplomatic efforts, hoping that battlefield successes and targeted strikes—such as the recent killing of the Hamas spokesman—will weaken Hamas’s resolve and encourage concessions on the hostages.
At the same time, the cabinet was asked to weigh in on a sovereignty plan being developed by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in consultation with senior U.S. administration officials. Contrary to the broader ambitions previously discussed by some government ministers, Dermer’s plan proposes only partial sovereignty over the Jordan Valley region. This approach is intended to reflect a wide consensus within Israel and, as Dermer hopes, secure bipartisan support in the United States. It stands in contrast to earlier calls for the application of full Israeli sovereignty over most of the territory in Judea and Samaria—a move that would have drawn significant international backlash.
One senior government official, familiar with Dermer’s initiative, told Israel Hayom that “Netanyahu is advancing a partial sovereignty move and will take heat for it from the Europeans as if he applied it to the entire area, when he could get full recognition from Trump.” This comment highlights the delicate balancing act facing the Israeli government: seeking to advance its strategic interests while managing the expectations of both domestic political factions and key international allies.
Inside the cabinet, the mood was one of unity, at least for the moment. Ministers from across the political spectrum expressed their support for the military’s preparations and commended the IDF’s professionalism. Yet, beneath the surface, fundamental disagreements persist—particularly regarding the long-term future of Gaza, the fate of the hostages, and the extent of Israel’s territorial ambitions in the West Bank.
Despite the absence of a breakthrough on the hostage deal, the government continues to signal its determination to bring all hostages home and to defeat Hamas decisively. The coming days are expected to bring further clarity, as military operations intensify and diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. For now, the cabinet’s actions and the prime minister’s rhetoric suggest that Israel is preparing for a new phase in the conflict—one that will test the country’s resolve, its military capabilities, and its ability to navigate the treacherous waters of regional and international politics.
As the sun rose on Monday, September 1, 2025, Israel stood at a crossroads, with its leaders betting that a combination of force and diplomacy will ultimately secure the nation’s objectives. The stakes, as ever, could hardly be higher for those still held captive, for the soldiers preparing for battle, and for the wider region watching events unfold with bated breath.