jerusalem and dead sea tour from tel aviv

Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Tour from Tel Aviv

Explore the ancient city of jerusalem and relax in the dead sea with a local guide.

Are you staying in Tel Aviv looking for the best tour of both Jerusalem and the Dead Sea? With our top guides and experienced drivers, enjoy the ultimate small-group day trip from Tel Aviv. In the morning, head to the historic city of Jerusalem to visit some of the holiest sites in Judaism and Christianity. In the afternoon, experience the rejuvenation and relaxation of the Dead Sea before heading back with luxury air-conditioned transportation.

• Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

Roundtrip Air-Conditioned Transportation from Tel Aviv

• Visit the Mount of Olives for the Best Views
• Explore Ancient Jerusalem with a Local Guide
• Take Solace at the Western Wall
• Via Dolorosa, The Way of the Cross
• Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus was Crucified
• Float in The Dead Sea
• Visit the Lowest Point on Earth
• Use the Dead Sea Mud for a Natural Skin Treatment

Can you imagine floating in the Dead Sea? Are you looking to pray at the Western Wall and see the route Jesus took to his crucifixion? Join this full day small group tour with a friendly English-speaking guide. Beginning in Tel Aviv, head to Jerusalem to see sacred sites and millennia of culture. In the afternoon, enjoy the tranquility of the Dead Sea before heading back to Tel Aviv in the evening.

Jerusalem and Dead Sea Day Tour Description

This 11-hour tour includes:

Maximum Group Size of 18

Storytelling English Speaking Guide

Guided Tour of Jerusalem's Old City

Visits to the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Free Time at the Dead Sea for Swimming and Relaxation

Meet Your Guide and Driver in Tel Aviv

Your day begins in central Tel Aviv. Join your small group and guide for the day for a journey to Israel's most celebrated sites. Grab a seat and enjoy the scenic hour drive between Israel's two largest cities while your guide describes the itinerary for the day.

Mount of Olives for the Best Views of Jerusalem

The first stop of the day is the Mount of Olives. Located just outside the Old City, this hill provides stunning views of the Jerusalem panorama including the Dome of the Rock, Al Asqa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Here you can take wonderful photos as your guide points out the sites you will see up close throughout the morning.

Heading down the mountain, pass the Garden of Gethsemane and drive through Kidron Valley past several ancient Jewish tombs. As the winding road reaches the valley, your group will reach the iconic Old City of Jerusalem and it's Zion Gate.

Old City Jerusalem Tour

As you head through the medieval walls of Jerusalem you will instantly be struck by the history. At every turn there is a story from Biblical times, through the Crusades, and up to the present. Walk through the Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Quarters learning about the city's great multicultural past and future.

Western Wall

Head to the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. Also known as the Wailing Wall or Kotel it is the last remnant of the great Jewish Temple destroyed in 70 AD. Here, Jews from around the world pray at all hours of the day and night. As has been done for centuries, you can place a prayer note in the cracks between the huge stones of the wall.

Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Next from the Wailing Wall head along the Via Dolorosa along the Stations of the Cross. Journey along the route Jesus walked, carrying his cross, towards his crucifixion at Golgotha. The route concludes at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on Golgotha, the site where Jesus was crucified.

Along the Stations of the Cross, your guide will lead your to five historically adorned chapels signifying specific moments on Jesus' journey. At the 10th, see where Jesus was stripped of his clothes. At the 11th, see where the cross was nailed. At the 12th, see the rock of the cavalry. Finally at the 13th and 14th stations, see where Jesus was removed from the cross and then laid to rest.

Stop for Refreshments, Souvenirs, and Local Markets

After the intense visits to some of the holiest sites in Judaism and Christianity, take a break and enjoy some local products of the area. Your guide will show you the ropes of the market and the best places to get some wonderful souvenirs for back home.

The Dead Sea, the Lowest Point on Earth

Once you have had some tasty falafel or bought some gifts for friends and family, the group will head south into the Judean Desert. On the drive, your guide will point out the Biblical city of Jericho the van continues on to the Dead Sea. Before reaching the sea, you will pass the marker stating that you are now below sea level. By the time you reach the dead sea, the elevation will be nearly 400 meters lower.

Much less painstaking than visiting the world's highest point, Mount Everest, the journey to the lowest point involves just a calm swim in the salty Dead Sea waters. Enjoy free time examining the bottom of the Earth through relaxation, swimming and nourishment.

Natural Spa Treatment and Float on the Water

Visiting the Dead Sea is like the ultimate day at the Spa. The rejuvenating properties of the salt, air and black mud of the Dead Sea are well known to the world and history. Lather yourself with the natural minerals of the black Dead Sea mud before enjoying a relaxing swim or float or the water.

At over 9 times saltier than ocean water, the buoyancy of the Dead Sea water allows you to lay above and even read a book without the help of a raft or floaties around your arms. Sit back and enjoy incredible relaxation with the picturesque desert surrounding. After some time to swim, meditate, and rejuvenate the group will return to the van and begin its journey back to Tel Aviv.

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Dead Sea Tours

The Dead Sea is famous for various reasons: it is the lowest point on earth (below sea level!), the water is so salty that you can even read a newspaper while you float, and its mud has amazing benefits for the skin! It is also a beautiful place surrounded by many attractions you definitely can’t miss on your trip to Israel.

We’ve patnered with Abraham Tours to offer you some of the best tours of the Dead Sea! Abraham Tours caters for backpackers and independent travellers – and locals who want to explore Tel Aviv, Israel, The West Bank, Jordan and Petra! Meet fun people, with unique, fascinating, thought provoking tours, all at affordable prices.

* Get 10% discount using this special discount code – see pictures below.  Please make sure to book through our links so that we can get a little commission ❤️.

Tours from Tel Aviv

Masada, ein gedi & dead sea tour from.

Abraham Tours | Daily | English | 1 Day | 315 NIS

For morning people! This tour takes you to hike your way up Masada early in the morning so you can enjoy the beautiful view just when the sun is rising. Visit the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and finish the day relaxing in the Dead Sea. Read more

Please make sure to book through our links so that we can get a little commission ❤️.

MASADA SUNRISE, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR

This tour takes you to three of Israel’s most iconic sites: Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea. You’ll depart in the early morning hours so that you can arrive at Masada in time to see the sunrise gleam over the desert and the Jordanian Mountains. Read more

JEEP & CHILL TOUR: JUDEAN DESERT AND DEAD SEA ADVENTURE

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | 1 Day | 480 NIS

Jeep through the rugged Judean Desert, visiting ancient monasteries and Bedouin villages. Soak up the views of the Dead Sea from atop Masada, then float in the world’s saltiest water or coat yourself in mineral-rich mud. Read More

DEAD SEA CHILL OUT TOUR

Abraham Tours | Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday | English | Half Day | 180 NIS

The Dead Sea Chill Out Tour is the perfect way to unwind and relax while taking in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Read More

Tours from Jerusalem

Abraham Tours | Daily | Not Guided | English | 5 hours | 150 NIS/ $47

Perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the Dead Sea, float in the water, cover yourself in the therapeutic mud and spend the day on the beach. Read more .

MASADA SUNRISE, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Daily | Hiking | English | 10 hours | 285 NIS/ $78

For morning people! This tour takes you to hike your way up Masada early in the morning so you can enjoy the beautiful view just when the sun is rising. Visit the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and finish the day relaxing in the Dead Sea. Read more .

MASADA, EIN GEDI & DEAD SEA TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Daily | English | 9 hours | 285 NIS/ $78

If you are not loving the idea of waking up super early, this tour  will take you to the same amazing places as the Masada Sunrise Tour but later in the day. Visit and learn the history of Masada (go up with the cable car!), hike trough Ein Gedi Natural Reserve and enjoy the Dead Sea and its salty water. Read more . 

JEEP & CHILL TOUR: JUDEAN DESERT AND DEAD SEA ADVENTURE FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | 1 Day | 450 NIS

On this tour, you’ll explore the rugged beauty of the Judean Desert, witness ancient traditions, and visit one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world. You’ll also have the chance to float in the famous salty water of the Dead Sea or immerse yourself in its mineral-rich mud. Read More

JUDEAN DESERT JEEP TOUR FROM JERUSALEM

Abraham Tours | Wednesday and Saturday | English | Half Day | 350 NIS

Get ready for a thrilling off-road adventure as we leave the city traffic behind and venture into the Judean Desert on this Jeep tour. Read More

ISRAEL PACKAGE TOUR: JERUSALEM & TEL AVIV 8-DAY ADVENTURE

Abraham Tours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | English | 8 Days | 2,380 NIS

Stay in two of the most welcoming hostels in the country, the Abraham Jerusalem and Abraham Tel Aviv. Meet fellow travelers from around the world and explore the unique cultures and attractions of these two cities. With 3-4 nights in each city, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything. Read More

Secret Tel Aviv takes no responsibility for your tour bookings. For accurate dates and tour information refer to Abaraham Hostel website. For customer support speak with Abraham Tours.

This is part of our series of Best Tours in Israel Guides. Also check out our Guide to the Best Tours in Jerusalem , Best Tours in Tel Aviv , Best Tours in Petra ,  Best Tours in the West Bank and Best Christian Tours . 

Discover the Dead Sea and its surroundings! Check out our guides for the Best Dead Sea Hotels , Best Jerusalem Tours and Best Jerusalem Hotels !

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Home » Articles & Tips » The Ultimate Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

The Ultimate Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

In southern Israel, on the western edge of the Judean desert lies the Dead Sea – a hyper-saline lake which is also the lowest point on Earth. This is, without a doubt, one of the must-visit places during your trip to Israel. While Tel Aviv offers a vibrant nightlife, endless restaurants, and a stunning coastline, the true natural beauty of Israel is found not in the cities, but in its deserts, hills, and nature reserves.

The Dead Sea is perhaps the most remarkable body of water in the world. The high salt concentration makes your body more buoyant and allows you to float effortlessly across the water, and the Dead Sea floor contains mineral-rich mud which provides tremendous benefits for your skin.

Traveling from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea

Getting to the dead sea from Tel Aviv via public transport is very straightforward. The no.421 bus from the Tel Aviv bus terminal (more commonly known as Arlozorov Terminal) departs twice daily at 9 AM and 12 PM. Reservations can be made using the Egged website , up to 14 days in advance.

In addition, there is also the option of a private shuttle bus, guided dead sea tours, and taxis. For more information and reviews, please see TripAdvisor.

However, if you have the means, traveling from Tel Aviv to the dead sea by car can be an unforgettable experience. This is our recommended method of travel to the dead sea as it offers the most independent journey.

Attractions between Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea

Along the way, you will encounter plenty of natural landmarks, archaeological digs, nature reserves, and historically preserved sites. By car, the journey takes approximately two and a half hours, so we advise that you leave Tel Aviv early in the morning so that you have plenty of time for stop-offs along the way, and still arrive at the dead sea long before sunset.

Here are a few places that you should visit while traveling from Tel Aviv to the dead sea. Please, keep in mind that some attractions can be closed or have limited access on Friday and Saturday, so make sure to check opening hours beforehand.

( Note: This list is based on traveling via Route 90 – through the West Bank, and arriving at Ein Bokek)

Jericho Valley

The first portion of the journey is between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Afterward, as you continue South, beyond Jerusalem and past Maale Adumim, you will enter the breathtaking Jericho Valley.

Here, the road winds between golden desert hills, and it’s one of the most scenic views in the entire country. There are several small settlements along the road, each offering places to eat, relax, and enjoy the warm desert climate. These include Mitzpeh Jericho, Kalya, and Almog .

Qumran National Park

As you continue South along route 90 towards Ein Bokek (the main tourist beach of the dead sea) you will reach Qumran National Park – home of the Dead Sea Scrolls . This is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in the world, and visitors are given a remarkable insight into the Hellenistic and Herodian eras of ancient Israel.

35 KM south of Qumran is the Ein Gedi reserve –  a desert oasis and one of Israel’s premier hiking spots. The reserve is a natural sanctuary for many animals, and several rare species of hyrax and ibex can be found here.

In addition, the neighboring Kibbutz is home to an internationally acclaimed botanical garden, spread across almost 24 acres and containing over 900 species of plants.

Masada National Park:

Finally, the last stop we recommend before arriving at Ein Bokek is the Masada National Park . Atop a large desert plateau lies the ruins of the ancient Masada fortress, where, according to Josephus, the final battle between the Judean rebels and the Roman Empire occurred. The plateau is also a natural observation point where one can witness the entirety of the Judean desert and the dead sea bank

A few extra tips:

Aside from leaving early and making the most out of your day, here are a few things to consider before you travel from Tel Aviv to the dead sea:

• Bring water: The climate is hot and humid, and dehydration is a genuine concern. Make sure to pack plenty of water for the journey.
• Bring flip flops: The beach sand gets scorching hot, especially during summer. Be sure to bring flip-flops so you don’t burn your feet!
• Don’t go underwater: The dead sea is not the place to practice your diving skills. If the water gets into your eyes they will sting ferociously.
• Don’t swim with your jewelry. The salt levels will corrode your expensive watches, bracelets, and necklaces – take them off before entering

Thinking of Visiting Jerusalem first? Here is some important information on how to get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem !

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Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Dead Sea Tour From Tel Aviv

Table of contents.

Last November I made a spontaneous decision to visit Tel Aviv for a wedding of friends I made the prior Fall. A chance meeting while they were visiting Copenhagen led us to reconnect via social media and stay in touch. That’s one of the coolest things about traveling and being open to chatting with fellow travelers – even in your own city. That chance conversation about what to do in Copenhagen and how to get to the airport led to flying to Israel for a wedding the following year. Raise your kids to be curious, friendly and talkative – you never know where it will lead them. For me, it gave me this amazing experience to visit a part of the world that has always intrigued me. I already want to go back. While there I enjoyed some beach time, the wedding of course and an unbelievable Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv. The full day trip to Jerusalem also included visits to holy sites in Bethlehem and concluded with a dip in the Dead Sea. It was truly incredible and I’m so happy that I said “yes” to adventure and booked the trip when invited. Here’s what I experienced on my epic Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv and how you can book it yourself when you visit Israel.

Some links may be affiliate links. This means we may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking certain links at no extra cost to you. 

Getting Started

My day tour began EARLY, as day tours often do, with a 6:30 am departure time. Lucky for me I was somewhat well-rested after one day on the beach the previous day. I scheduled my Jerusalem Day for my second full day in Israel and after I had a chance to explore Tel Aviv. This gave me a chance to familiarize myself with the area and find locate the tour pick up location. The meeting place was a centrally located hotel. When I arrived, there was a crowd of tourists because the tour operator runs several day trips that share the same departure point. We were given wrist bands and divided into our private buses. The English speaking guided tour began with a drive to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv which took just under 90 minutes. We picked up a group from a hotel in Jerusalem and fully-assembled we numbered 16 people. Then it was off to our first stop – The Old City of Jerusalem.

Admiring the City Walls of Jerusalem

As the bus pulled up I was already mesmerized – the outer walls of the city were massive and impressed me. Once we assembled in front of Jaffa Gate, I realized my first impression was somewhat unwarranted. Our guide explained that the walls were destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries and their current state is the most fortified they have ever been. In 1535, when The Ottomans ruled Jerusalem, Sultan Suleiman I ordered the walls rebuilt. They were in ruins at the time and with advances in warfare, they would do little for the defense of the city. Still, Suleiman had them rebuilt to show off the might of his empire and his project took about 4 years. We also learned that walls are like a time capsule of Jerusalem with stones from every era. It’s constructed from the remnants of countless razed monuments, statues and houses of worship from Jerusalems past.

Entering Jaffa Gate and Viewing the Tower of David

We entered Jaffa Gate and paused for a quick bathroom break. It wasn’t how I pictured the start to my Jerusalem tour from Tel Aviv, but after the drive many of us needed the toilets. We then were given the option to tour Jerusalem on our own or continue with the guide. I opted to stick with the guide – at $99 per person, I wanted the full experience.

We began at the impressive Tower of David or Jerusalem Citadel. Fortification in this area of the city dates back over 2000 years and the current structure has been standing since the 1300s. Our time in Jerusalem was short. We only received highlights and I could have easily spent the whole day exploring this site alone. The layers upon layers of archaeological history are right before your eyes. A museum exists at the Tower of David where you can learn about every civilization that’s ruled the city and how they lived. I will be back with Mike to experience and we can history-nerd-out for a longer time.

Visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

As we continued the tour, we made our way to The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Walking through the city I was surprised how lively and vibrant it was. I had an impression of Jerusalem as a solemn city where the entire experience would be like visiting a temple – it was not. People live very normal lives inside of the city walls. There are children walking to school in uniforms, shop owners selling cans of coke and a hot lunch. It was like any city around the world and for some reason, I expected something different.

We finally arrived at one of the holiest churches in Christianity, built over the site of the Crucifixion. It’s located deep in Jerusalem Old City and tucked away through a maze of food stands and shops in the Christian Quarter. Once inside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, things were more solemn and serious. We ascended to an alter atop a set of stairs. They climb the area of an ancient hill known as Golgatha, the final passage of the Passion of Jesus. As soon as we entered we experienced the last four stops on the Via Dolorosa or stations of the cross. Like the entire building, this section was divided and controlled by different sects of Christianity. They share the holy church and you notice right away how each section is adorned differently. From the Roman Catholic section to the Greek Orthodox section to the Armenian, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox and Ethiopian areas, the contrast was significant. We finished the tour of this amazing church by walking to the tomb where Jesus is said to have been buried and resurrected. It had a long line of pilgrims so we did not enter, but we did stop at the rock where his body was laid before being covered with a shroud. I was in awe of the emotion that some of the pilgrims were expressing. It was touching to see their devotion.

Retracing the Via Dolorosa

After leaving the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we retraced the stations of the Via Dolorosa. It means “Sorrowful Way” in Latin and in Hebrew, it’s translated it to “Way of Suffering”. There were many tourists and pilgrims reenacting the procession by carrying the cross with priests and others with tour guides. Our guide stopped at sixth station – the veil of Veronica. He explained the story that at that spot, a woman named Veronica wiped the blood from the face of Jesus. Her name, Veronica means “true icon” in Latin. We also paused at the fifth station where Simon of Cyrene carries the cross for Jesus while he rests his hand on the wall. There is a deep indent in the wall where pilgrims place their hands. The retracing of these stations led us to the Jewish Quarter where we approached security. We cleared the checkpoint and entered the grounds in front of the Temple Wall.

Praying at The Western Wall

I was in slight disbelief to be standing before such a famous and important place in history and religion. The massive limestone blocks comprising the wall were built around 19 BCE by King Herod. He constructed the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and it’s one of the holiest sites in Judaism and the most holy site where Jews are allowed to pray. We had a quick chat with our guide about the importance of the site and how to insert prayers into the wall. The men were given a yamaka and separated from the women to approach the wall. As we split, a woman approached one of the females in our group and asked her to cover her chest. She was wearing a sundress and it wasn’t very low cut, but since it is such a holy site, she obliged and put on her sweatshirt.

At the wall, I sat and reflected. I thought about how lucky I was to be there and to be touring the Holy Land. For most of my life, I never would have expected to be at The Western Wall! I said a quick prayer in my head and thought about my family and loved ones. Then I sat and wrote down my prayer note and rolled it up to place it in the wall. If you ever wondered where the prayers go, our guide explained it to us. Several times a year, men remove the prayer notes and they are buried in the Jewish Cemetary on the Mount of Olives. These prayers are buried because in Judaism it’s forbidden to destroy anything on which the name of God is written.

Leaving Jerusalem and Heading to Bethlehem

We did not have time to enter the Muslim Quarter or visit the Temple Mount, but we got a great view on the way out of the city. We walked through the remainder of the Jewish Quarter, then the Armenian Quarter before leaving the city. The next stop was Bethlehem.

We boarded the bus and said goodbye to our first tour guide. He was Jewish and not permitted to enter Bethlehem. Because it’s located in the West Bank, in the Palestinian territories, we were met by a new guide who continued from our tours Jerusalem point. We crossed the walled border between Israel and the Palestinian West Bank. I read the graffiti on the wall – political messages depictions of war and calls for peace.

We parked the mini-bus and walked up the hill into Bethlehem. Our guide said that the meadow below is where the shepherds from the Bible were grazing (I don’t know if he was serious or not). We stopped at a shop owned by a Palestinian Christian family. They sell wood carvings from olive branches, souvenirs, and jewelry. We spent some time in the store and then moved on to the Church of The Nativity.

Visiting the Church of the Nativity

We entered the Church of the Nativity through a tiny door. Inside the church was larger than I expected with beautiful mosaic-tiled floors. They were covered over the centuries and the floor was pulled up to expose them in spots. There was a crowd, so with our timing restraints, we did not have hours to wait in line to enter the grotto where Jesus is said to have been born. Just visiting the site was exciting, but I would have loved to enter the site where the manger is said to have been.

The church is the oldest major church in the Holy Land. It was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Constantine. He sent his mother, Helena, to Jerusalem and she had the church built along with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Our final stop was the Dead Sea. We took a break for lunch in a square in Bethlehem where they were assembling a platform to put up the town’s Christmas tree. Then we boarded the bus and drove through the Judean Desert. As we descended to the lowest region on Earth, we were given some tips on the Dead Sea. Namely, we were told not to submerge or get any water in our eyes or mouth. We pulled into a parking lot and walked up to a ticketing area where we were waved through – the entrance was paid with the cost of the tour. We spent about an hour at the Dead Sea and soaked in the mud, the waters and floated on the Sea. It was a surreal feeling to experience the Dead Sea. I’ve floated in pools, lakes, and oceans before, but it’s effortless to stay afloat in the Dead Sea. After about 25 minutes, the novelty wore off and we left the waters to shower and change back into normal clothing. After a day worth of touring, I was ready to head back to Tel Aviv.

Why I Recommend this Tour and How to Book it Yourself

While I had a tremendous day, there’s a lot left undone and I want to return soon. I could have spent several days in Jerusalem and want to see the Temple Mount, Yehuda Market, The Museum of The Tower of David and so many other sights.

Despite not having time to see the grotto of the nativity, this tour was stellar. It was highlights of everything in one full day – just as advertised! I highly recommend booking it and you can reserve a spot for your visit below. The tour is operated by Tourist Israel and guaranteed through GetYourGuide. 

I always book through GYG because they offer a refund if you change your plans or cancel within 24 hours of the start time. It makes it simple to plan and reconsider your itinerary when you arrive at your destination.

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Israel mulls end to gaza war as part of hostage deal — even if hamas is not eradicated: report.

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Israel is for the first time considering ending the war in Gaza as part of a hostage deal even if Hamas is not eradicated, officials say.

The Jewish state’s new cease-fire proposal is to see the more than 130 hostages remaining in Gaza freed in exchange for a willingness to discuss the “restoration of sustainable calm” in the Palestinian enclave, two Israeli officials told Axios .

It’s the first time in the nearly seven-month-long war that Israel has suggested it is open to ending the conflict as part of a hostage deal without wiping out the Palestinian terror group, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted.

Under the plan, formulated with Egyptian mediators last week, 20 hostages would be released in exchange for the freedom of about 500 Palestinian prisoners over an initial three-week truce, the Wall Street Journal reported .

The proposed deal would prioritize the release of female, sick and elderly hostages. The 20 hostages would also be half the number Israel previously called for after Hamas’ claims that it did not have 40 hostages who met that criteria.

The exchange would then be followed by a 10-week cease-fire to allow the two sides to continue negotiations.

Along with the hostage exchange, the latest proposal would allow displaced Palestinian to return to their homes in northern Gaza, the majority of which have been damaged or destroyed by the fighting.

Hamas, which made the Israel Defense Force’s withdrawal from Gaza a key sticking point in the cease-fire negotiations, is expected to deliver its response to mediators in Cairo on Monday.

Netanyahu has seen continued pressure to reach a deal with the terrorist group as protests for the hostages’ immediate release continue at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

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Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, has gone as far as to suggest that the prime minister’s government should be dissolved if it prioritizes the looming Rafah invasion over a hostage deal, but he stopped short of calling for an end to the war.

“If a responsible outline for the return of the hostages is reached with the backing of the entire security establishment, which does not entail the end of the war, and the ministers who led the government on Oct. 7 prevent it, the government will not have the right to continue to exist,” Gantz said in a statement.

The tense negotiations and Egypt’s eagerness to reach a deal come as the IDF is preparing to enter Rafa, Gaza’s now most populous city sheltering more than 1 million refugees .

Egypt, which shares a border with Rafa, has warned of “catastrophic consequences” should the Israeli military move into the city, where four Hamas battalions are located.

With Post wires

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World news | father, two children identified as victims in fiery fatal pleasanton car crash, world news | blinken presses hamas to accept proposal for gaza cease-fire, hamas wants a full end to combat after releasing hostages, israel is offering a pause.

By Samy Magdy and Lee Keath | Associated Press

CAIRO — The United States stepped up pressure for a cease-fire deal in Gaza on Monday as the secretary of state said a new proposal had been put to Hamas, whose officials were in Cairo talking to Egyptian mediators. Israeli airstrikes killed 26 people in Gaza’s southernmost town of Rafah, according to hospital records.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ahead of a visit to Israel this week, urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part.

The terms were not made public. But according to an Egyptian official and Israeli media, Israel has softened its position, lowering the number of hostages it demands that Hamas free during the initial six-week phase of the cease-fire in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinians from Israeli prisons.

One question is whether that will be enough to overcome Hamas concerns over the cease-fire’s second phase.

Hamas has demanded assurances that an eventual release of all hostages will bring a complete end to Israel’s nearly seven-month assault in Gaza and a withdrawal of its troops from the devastated territory. Israel has offered only an extended pause, vowing to resume its offensive once it is over. The issue has repeatedly obstructed efforts by U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators during months of talks.

Some Israeli commentators depicted Israel as at a crossroads: Go for a deal with a potential end to the war, bringing benefits that could include normalization of ties with Saudi Arabia, or push ahead with plans including an attack on Rafah in the hope of crushing Hamas and risk international isolation.

Israel’s closest ally, the United States, and others have repeatedly warned against an offensive on Rafah, saying it would bring a surge in casualties and worsen a humanitarian catastrophe. More than 1 million Palestinians have sought shelter in Rafah after fleeing fighting elsewhere.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 34,000 people.

Overnight and Monday morning, Israeli strikes flattened at least three homes where extended families of Palestinians were gathered. The dead included nine women and six children, one them just five days old, according to hospital records and an Associated Press reporter.

“Everyone was sleeping in their beds,” said Mahmoud Abu Taha, whose cousin was killed with his wife and their year-old baby in a house where at least 10 died. “They have nothing to do with anything.”

Egypt has stepped up mediation efforts for a cease-fire deal in hopes of averting an assault on Rafah, on Gaza’s border with Egypt.

An Egyptian official said Israel has lowered the number of hostages it wants freed in the first stage, down from earlier demands for 40. He did not specify the new number. Israeli media said it now seeks the release of 33 hostages in return for the release of some 900 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is believed to hold around 100 Israelis in Gaza.

Israel has also shown flexibility on allowing residents to return to northern Gaza, the Egyptian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the internal talks.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas or Israeli officials.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected stopping the war in return for hostage releases and says an offensive on Rafah is crucial to destroying the militants after their Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that triggered the fighting. His government could be threatened if he agrees to a deal, since hardline Cabinet members demand an attack on Rafah.

At the same time, Netanyahu faces pressure to reach a deal from families of hostages.

On Monday, the families of two hostages — Keith Siegel and Omri Miran — urged both sides to reach an agreement, days after Hamas released a video showing the men.

“I appeal to Sinwar, please approve this deal. And to the members of the (Israeli) Cabinet, please approve any deal,” said Omri’s father, Dany Miran, referring to Yehiya Sinwar, the top Hamas official in Gaza. He spoke at a news conference in a Tel Aviv square where supporters of hostage families regularly hold rallies.

Israeli officials, meanwhile, appeared increasingly concerned that the International Criminal Court may issue arrest warrants against the country’s leaders.

It was not clear what sparked the concerns. The ICC launched a probe three years ago into possible war crimes committed by Israel and Palestinian militants going back to the 2014 Israel-Hamas war. The probe is also looking at Israel’s construction of settlements in occupied territory the Palestinians want for a future state.

There was no comment from the court on Monday, and it has given no indication warrants in the case are imminent.

But Israel’s Foreign Ministry said late Sunday that it had informed Israeli missions of “rumors” that warrants might be issued against senior political and military officials. Netanyahu said Friday that Israel “will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense.”

Neither Israel nor the United States accept the ICC’s jurisdiction, but any warrants could put Israeli officials at risk of arrest in other countries. They would also serve as a major rebuke of Israel’s actions at a time when pro-Palestinian protests have spread across U.S. college campuses.

In the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, militants stormed through army bases and farming communities across southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s air, sea and ground offensive in Gaza has killed at least 34,488 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Israel blames the high civilian death toll on Hamas because the militants fight from dense, residential areas. The military says it has killed over 12,000 militants, without providing evidence.

The war has driven around 80% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes and pushed northern Gaza to the brink of famine.

Associated Press writers Michael Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Matthew Lee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contributed.

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