JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his security cabinet this week to deliberate Israel's strategy in Gaza after indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas failed to yield an agreement. A senior Israeli source indicated that the possibility of intensifying military operations remains on the table.

Last Saturday, amid a visit to Israel, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff discussed a framework aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. However, Israeli officials have proposed several options, including expanding the military campaign in Gaza and annexing portions of the devastated territory.

The recent Doha negotiations sought to finalize a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, which would have facilitated humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Following Netanyahu's meeting with Witkoff last Thursday, a senior Israeli official noted that "an understanding was emerging between Washington and Israel" centered on transitioning from a temporary truce to a comprehensive resolution that would "secure the liberation of all hostages, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize the Gaza Strip." These remain Israel's primary conditions for ending the conflict.

An individual familiar with the talks described Witkoff's visit as "very significant" within Israeli circles. Nonetheless, by Sunday, the likelihood of reaching a deal appeared diminished. An Israeli official suggested that Hamas showed no interest in negotiations, prompting Netanyahu to prioritize hostage release while preparing for intensified military action.

Reports from Israel's Channel 12 indicated discussions within Netanyahu's office leaning toward expanding the offensive and potentially seizing control of the entire Gaza Strip.

The exact definition of achieving a "military defeat" of Hamas remains contested among Israeli leaders. Some propose formal annexation of parts of Gaza as leverage against Hamas. Prominent politicians such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir advocate for introducing Israeli military administration and reinstalling Jewish settlements removed two decades ago.

The Israeli military has expressed reservations regarding such political initiatives during the ongoing conflict and is expected to present alternatives, including operations in parts of Gaza not yet engaged, according to defense officials. The military also warns that expanding operations could jeopardize the approximately 20 hostages still believed to be alive.

Military Chief Eyal Zamir reportedly voiced frustration over perceived strategic ambiguity from political leaders, fearing a prolonged war of attrition with Hamas militants. An IDF spokesperson declined to comment directly but affirmed that the military "has various strategies to combat the terrorist organization, and that is what the army is doing."

On the diplomatic front, Qatar and Egypt supported a joint declaration issued by France and Saudi Arabia advocating for a two-state solution. The declaration calls on Hamas to relinquish its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. Hamas, however, continues to reject disarmament, although it has reportedly expressed willingness to cede governance of Gaza to an independent body, according to officials within the group. Hamas insists that any post-conflict arrangement must be internally agreed upon by Palestinians rather than imposed externally.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged on Monday that the gaps between the parties remain substantial. He stated, "We would like to have all our hostages back. We would like to see the end of this war. We always prefer to get there by diplomatic means, if possible. But of course, the big question is, what will be the conditions for the end of the war?"