""Regional security issues": Herzi Halevi and Ronen Bar return from visit to Cairo

December 10, 2024   

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar returned this evening (Tuesday) from a visit to Cairo. The two flew an executive plane that works for the Israeli Mossad. According to the report in 'Kan Hades', the two did not visit the Egyptian capital to discuss the hostage deal, but rather "regional security issues." According to a report by Barak Ravid on the 'Walla' website, the Shin Bet head met with the head of Egyptian intelligence, Hassan Rashad, and senior Egyptian military officials. According to the report, the visit, which was planned several weeks ago, did not take place as part of the negotiations on the hostage deal, but the issue came up during the talks, alongside security issues concerning the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. "This visit was very important, but this is not the delegation that is supposed to discuss the details of the deal to release the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza," a source familiar with the details was quoted as saying. Last week, Egypt put a new proposal on the table that includes a gradual cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip. According to the proposal, the IDF will withdraw from the Rafah Crossing along with declaring a temporary ceasefire for 60 days. About a week after the temporary ceasefire comes into effect, a process of returning surviving Israeli hostages will begin. At the same time, hundreds of Palestinian terrorists will also be released from Israeli prisons. In addition, during the 60-day ceasefire, Israel will maintain a military presence in Gaza. According to the plan, the Rafah Crossing is expected to be transferred to the management and supervision of the Palestinian Authority. However, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this evening: "I cannot say that we are on the verge of a deal in Gaza at any moment, but we will continue to press. Hamas continues to be an obstacle.".