Report: Netanyahu, Trump, and Rubio Coordinating on New Hostage Strategy, Hint at Major Shift in Gaza War

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reportedly been working closely together on a new approach regarding the hostages held by Hamas terrorists, according to Channel 12’s Amit Segal.

The three held a phone conversation in which it was made clear that, contrary to ongoing reports, even within Israel, Hamas is responsible for stalling negotiations. Trump and special mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff have emphasized that Hamas was not truly aiming for a deal in this most recent round of talks. The terrorists appear to be relying on mounting domestic and international pressure to force Israel into halting the war unilaterally.

Segal explains that although the three leaders are using slightly different language, the message is that Israel is about to take new, significant steps, but the exact nature of the plan is not clear. Still, Segal says that there are a number of possibilities.

One such scenario involves targeting Hamas leadership outside of Gaza, particularly in Qatar. This could include assassination attempts or demands from both the U.S. and Israel for the extradition of Hamas figures residing there. These individuals are being accused of committing war crimes against 1,200 Israelis, among them dozens of American citizens.

Another possibility being floated is the threat of territorial seizure or forced exile of Hamas leaders if the hostages are not released by a specific deadline.

While other options remain on the table, Segal notes that the statements from Trump and Rubio suggest they are granting Israel broad freedom to make a decisive move. The American leadership appears to acknowledge that the current cycle of stop-and-go negotiations over hostage releases is a dead end; one Hamas is manipulating to drag out the conflict and extract Israeli concessions.

There’s also growing confusion surrounding what exactly “ending the war” should look like.

The narrative often pushed internationally, suggesting that Hamas wants the war to end while Israel continues it for political reasons, is, in Segal’s words, “simply false.”

Hamas’ demands are not something any Israeli leader, including opposition figures, can accept. The terror group insists that the war end with a complete IDF withdrawal from Gaza, removing every last barrier between Israeli towns and the Gaza Strip.

Figures like Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett have previously suggested maintaining an IDF presence around Gaza’s perimeter. While such positions are more moderate, Segal says, they remain unacceptable to Hamas.

Segal concludes that if this isn’t merely a high-stakes negotiation tactic to pressure Hamas while showcasing U.S. support, then we are likely approaching a major turning point in the war.