On Wednesday in Jerusalem, multiple sources reported that the United States CIA Director and chief hostage negotiator, William Burns, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They discussed the remaining options for a potential ceasefire with Hamas and the release of hostages.

Burns recommended that the Prime Minister view the “end of war” not as a conclusive “full stop,” but more like a “comma,” indicating a process that could ultimately pave the way for normalization with Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar in the meeting with Burns, stated that Hamas’s proposal, which was received on Monday night, “crosses all red lines in every aspect and is unacceptable.”

The Prime Minister indicated to Burns that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is satisfied with the US’s decision to withhold weapons from Israel, complicating the chances of reaching an agreement. The Prime Minister and his advisors conveyed to Burns that they view the differences between the two parties regarding a potential hostage exchange as very large, leading them to prioritize the ongoing IDF operations in Rafah.

So, here is the state of play as of 4p.m. Washington, D.C. time Wednesday May 8, 2024

The situation involves a delicate balance between arms shipments, hostage negotiations, and ongoing military operations in Rafah. The gaps between the two sides remain wide, and the focus is currently on the IDF

Israel and Rafah

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted a “precise counterterrorism operation” in specific areas of eastern Rafah. This operation aims to eliminate Hamas terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure. The ground incursion into Rafah is limited and designed to achieve tactical military goals while putting pressure on Hamas during ceasefire talks

The United States Pause in the Shipment of Arms to Israel

The United States has paused the shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs to Israel over concerns that they could be used in a major military operation in Rafah, where more than 1 million refugees are sheltering. The Biden administration is especially focused on ending the use of 2,000-pound bombs due to their impact on dense urban areas in Gaza

Near the end of a busy Wednesday Channel 12 one of Israel’s top news sources was reporting that war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz, and his National Unity party colleague and war cabinet observer Gadi Eisenkot, are demanding that the cabinet take “strategic decisions” for the day after in Gaza before any widening of IDF operations in Rafah or elsewhere in the Strip.

Gantz’s advocacy for strategic decisions reflects a very important step for Israel’s leadership. Setting a deliberate approach, weighing both immediate military actions and their enduring consequences for Gaza.

Jim Williams reports on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing both written articles and video coverage on a range of issues in the Middle East.