Speaking on Friday, Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared to "explore other options" to recover the captives, echoing sentiments expressed by Witkoff a day earlier. Witkoff had accused Hamas of deliberately delaying negotiations and emphasized the need to consider alternative methods to bring the hostages home.

While both leaders appear aligned in their tougher stance on Hamas, neither has provided specific details on what the alternative strategies might entail. The statements come amid growing frustration over the lack of progress in talks aimed at securing the release of those abducted.

The development signals a potential escalation in diplomatic and possibly military responses, as pressure mounts to resolve the ongoing crisis.