Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a security cabinet meeting on Friday afternoon to assess the situation amid a deadlock in negotiations over a prisoner swap deal and a ceasefire.

The cabinet, which includes senior military officials, is expected to approve plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.

In the same context, Al-Akhbar (Lebanon) reported that Netanyahu discussed with the Trump administration the expansion of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the necessity of ground action.

Al Arabiya channel reported that a preliminary agreement was reached two days ago for the release of hostages during the month of May. According to the report, the agreement also includes the creation of three safe corridors to allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip under the supervision of mediators. The Saudi channel added that meetings between Egyptian officials, Hamas representatives, and Israeli officials are expected to continue in the coming days.