An Israeli negotiating team has reportedly extended its stay in the Qatari capital Doha, a day after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was in town to work toward a resolution between Israel and Hamas.
The proposed deal reportedly involves extending the ceasefire for up to 60 days in exchange for the release of five to ten living Israeli captives held in Gaza.
While Hamas has previously rejected similar proposals, it may now be more open to negotiations following direct talks between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and senior Hamas officials in recent weeks. Boehler described the meetings as productive and hinted at the possibility of a long-term ceasefire, which sparked backlash from Israel and pro-Israeli US politicians.
There are also unconfirmed reports that Boehler has been removed from the Israel-Gaza file, though these claims may be premature.
Let’s delve deeper into the situation.
What is the deal currently being negotiated?
A previous agreement between Israel and Hamas included three phases, ultimately aiming for a permanent ceasefire. The first phase involved a limited exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, a temporary ceasefire, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. While the details of the second phase were still under negotiation, the Biden administration emphasized that the first phase would continue until the second phase could be finalized.
Israel has disregarded this approach and, though it has not resumed full-scale war in Gaza, has threatened to do so while blocking all humanitarian aid and electricity.
In early March, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu introduced a new proposal, which he attributed to Witkoff, though the US envoy never publicly endorsed it. Netanyahu’s office stated that the deal would extend the ceasefire for six weeks and release half of the captives in Gaza—both dead and alive—on the first day of the extension.
While Hamas initially rejected this proposal, the current negotiations in Doha appear to be similar. Critics argue that Netanyahu has no intention of ending the war permanently, fearing his government’s collapse if he does.
What about Boehler’s negotiations?
Boehler’s mandate was limited to the five Israeli-American captives, four of whom are presumed dead. However, his direct talks with Hamas raised the possibility of not only securing a lasting ceasefire but also the release of all captives held by Hamas.
In interviews with Israeli and US media last Sunday, Boehler indicated that he had engaged directly with Hamas, securing a commitment to a ceasefire lasting between five and ten years, disarming, and relinquishing control of the Gaza Strip.
Boehler clarified that he had not coordinated with Israel before meeting with Hamas and emphasized that the US is “not an agent of Israel” and has its own “specific interests at play.”
How has Israel reacted to news of the direct talks?
Israel’s response has been largely negative.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Army Radio that unspecified Israeli officials had “made it clear to him [Boehler] that he cannot speak on our behalf, and if he wishes to negotiate on behalf of the United States, then good luck to him.”
Ron Dermer, Israel’s strategic affairs minister and a close ally of Netanyahu, reportedly “lashed out” at Boehler the night before the talks became public.
Avi Dichter, former head of the Shin Bet and current agriculture minister, also criticized the US initiative, telling Israeli radio that the direct US-Hamas talks undermined Israeli negotiations. “It’s very dangerous when you undertake moves without knowing and without coordinating with the Israeli side,” Dichter said.
The Israeli press also targeted Boehler, with a Times of Israel editorial calling the envoy “complacent, confused, and dangerously naive.”
Has Trump abandoned Boehler?
When news of the US-Hamas talks first emerged, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump supported them because they were “the right thing for the American people.”
However, after Boehler’s comments to the press last Sunday, Israeli news outlets reported that the hostage envoy did not represent the White House’s position and that Witkoff would continue to lead negotiations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose key portfolios in Ukraine and the Middle East appear to have been taken over by Witkoff, described the talks on Monday as a “one-off situation” that had failed.
Reports on Thursday varied, with some claiming Boehler would no longer handle the Israel-Gaza file and others stating he would continue to support Witkoff.
A report from Jewish Insider included quotes from anonymous Republican senators criticizing Boehler, with one suggesting he had “lost all trust.”
Does that matter?
Until Trump himself speaks, it’s difficult to determine his true stance on the matter. It’s possible he simply hasn’t made a decision yet.
Regardless, the fact that the senators quoted did not want to be named suggests they are hedging their bets and avoiding the appearance of second-guessing Trump.
The talks with Hamas, even if the US does not repeat them, indicate that the Trump administration is taking the lead on Gaza, effectively dragging Israel and Netanyahu along.
Israel relies heavily on the US for both military and diplomatic support. Moreover, given Trump’s unexpected distancing from traditional US alliances, such as those with Canada and Europe, many in Israel worry that his support for their war on Gaza may prove equally unreliable.
Responding to the direct talks, the Israeli daily Haaretz speculated that the US negotiations with Hamas reflected Trump’s “frustration” with Netanyahu and revealed the US administration’s objectives: “freeing the hostages, ending the war, regional peace [and] Saudi capital,” which it was willing to “achieve … by any means.”
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