On the Eve of Gaza Negotiations Resumption, Netanyahu’s Stance “Shatters” Hostage Families’ Hopes

---

On the eve of the resumption of negotiations for a hostage exchange and a Gaza ceasefire, Israeli hostage families expressed “pessimism” about the possibility of reaching an agreement due to the stance of the Prime Minister, which they described as “procrastinating.”

• Netanyahu reveals Hezbollah’s plan to invade northern Israel

• Political Analyst: Netanyahu Seeks Expansion and Annexation of Southern Lebanon under Military Cover

The families accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of lacking seriousness and continuing the war under pressure from Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. According to informed sources, a proposal is on the table for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, paving the way for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

The proposal involves the release of a number of Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees and a temporary ceasefire, during which negotiations for a comprehensive agreement would take place, including the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and ending the war on Gaza. Channel 12 reported Saturday that the head of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, would travel to Doha, Qatar’s capital, to begin detailed discussions on the Egyptian proposal.

• Caesarea under Fire: Hezbollah Rockets Near Netanyahu’s Home

• Iran’s “Recruitment” of an Israeli Businessman to “Assassinate Netanyahu”: The Full Story

Prime Minister Netanyahu approved the Israeli delegation’s departure, though it remains unclear if he granted it the necessary authority to reach an agreement. Barnea is set to meet with CIA Director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence head Hassan Mahmoud Rashad.

Ahead of the Israeli delegation’s mission, several protests were organized in Israel on Saturday evening by hostage families demanding an agreement, though they hold little hope given Netanyahu‘s stance. In a press conference in Tel Aviv, Yifat Calderon said, “There are signs that we may face yet another round of discussions for the sake of discussions, creating false hopes that end without an agreement that brings everyone back.”

• Sa’ar the “Rebel” and Netanyahu: From Bitter Foe to “Savior”

• Iran’s Secret Document Ignites a Dispute within the Israeli Military and Netanyahu’s Office

She added, “Ten days have passed since Sinwar’s death. Once again, we see delays, a lack of real initiative, and slow action, as if there were ample time.” She questioned, “What’s the point of sending a delegation without full authorization to reach an agreement? Why send a delegation if Netanyahu still clings to his positions?”

A source close to the Israeli negotiating team told Channel 12 that “any agreement will depend on Israel agreeing to halt hostilities,” adding, “the Mossad chief’s trip to Doha will achieve nothing unless authorization is granted.” The source also indicated that while attempts have been made to push forward a small, preliminary deal, this deal relies on Israel’s acceptance of a ceasefire.

• Netanyahu between Street Anger and the Grip of the Right… Limits of Tolerance “at Risk”

• Trenches in Gaza: Netanyahu “Proposes” a “Pre-Rejected” Plan

Israeli professionals remain very pessimistic about a breakthrough, given Israel’s insistence on not ending the war. Ayinav Tsinjokar said, “Israel has an image of victory: Hamas leadership has been eliminated, Hamas brigades disbanded, and infrastructure destroyed. But what has the government done since then to swiftly bring back all the hostages?”

She questioned, “Why hasn’t the government proposed any initiative for a deal to bring everyone back? Why wait for mediators’ ideas instead of taking the lead?”

• Bodies of 6 hostages ignite criticism of Netanyahu: Found in Khan Younis

• New Failure for Netanyahu: Military Summons Drive “Haredim” to Protest

Yehuda Cohen stated, “Netanyahu wants to prolong the war indefinitely and stay in power forever. He lets Ben Gvir and Smotrich determine the fate of our loved ones—two people with extreme ideologies working towards settlements in Gaza at the expense of the hostages’ lives.”

He added, “Hamas has been defeated militarily; there is nothing left to achieve in Gaza! 73% of the public wants an agreement, even at the cost of suspending hostilities! But Netanyahu and the government don’t want to end the war in Gaza, and the price is paid by the hostages, soldiers, and the public. The price is paid in blood.”

• Biden threatens Netanyahu with “Support Umbrella”: Has the President lost patience?

• Gaza Agreement: Biden « Freed » from Elections Pressures Netanyahu

He concluded, “The only way to bring all the hostages back is to end the war in Gaza. This is the only way. Israel has exerted maximum military pressure in Gaza without bringing back the hostages. If you want the hostages home, you need an agreement and an end to the war in Gaza. Hamas has been defeated; now it’s time to reach an agreement.”