Israel's defense minister says Israel is looking into an alternative local governing body for Gaza, proposing a future beyond Hamas but giving no idea who those challengers might be.

The US government has "every expectation" that Israel will accept a ceasefire proposal that would begin with a six-week cessation of hostilities in Gaza if Hamas takes the deal, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is simply not there yet. The plan has many holes to be navigated, and Netanyahu still needs the support of extreme rightwing cabinet ministers—who oppose any concession to Palestinians and have even spoken of moving Jewish settlers into the Gaza Strip.