The Israeli decision on Wednesday to pause the invasion of Gaza to allow Hamas to release some hostages, a move now strongly supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was the culmination of a weekslong dispute among Israel’s civilian and military leaders about whether such a deal would strengthen Hamas and endanger the remaining hostages.
The first group initially took the upper hand, persuading Mr. Netanyahu to delay a cabinet vote originally planned for Nov. 14, according to three of the officials.
They hoped that more military pressure might give Israel more influence at the negotiating table, allowing more hostages to be freed.
But the second group eventually won out, leading Mr. Netanyahu to hold the vote early Wednesday, setting the stage for a four-day truce and prisoner exchange that could begin this week.
Mr. Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military and the Mossad all declined to comment.
Persons:
Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, David Barnea, Mr, Netanyahu
Locations:
Gaza, Israel