Netanyahu has fallen victim to his own spin and is now trying to lower expectations about the deal. It's unclear whether he's buying time or using a tactic aimed more at far-right ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir than at Hamas

Talks for a phased deal with Hamas are being dragged out due to Israel's stubbornness. Netanyahu keeps stalling to preserve his coalition until the Knesset's recess, and his clash with the IDF chief now benefits them both publicly