Channel 12 News political commentator Amit Segal discussed Hamas's response to a proposed partial hostage deal and renewed criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from government ministers. Segal believes Netanyahu still has room to negotiate, particularly during the current Knesset recess, which reduces immediate political risk. He highlighted a gap between Netanyahu's private remarks, which reject a partial deal, and the more cautious public statements from the government. Segal argued that ongoing military pressure is influencing Hamas's willingness to negotiate, suggesting that both direct action and the threat of force are effective in securing improved proposals for hostage release.