Negotiations with Hamas: Netanyahu’s gamble amidst pressure

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, issued a directive on Thursday for negotiators to begin talks with Hamas regarding the release of hostages. This information was conveyed on Sunday by the Prime Minister's office.

The statement indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision resulted from a consultation with senior members of the Israeli defence establishment. However, details regarding the delegation's objectives were not disclosed in the Prime Minister's office statement.

So far, despite efforts by Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, no agreement has been reached regarding a ceasefire. Both sides of the Gaza conflict, which has lasted for over nine months, accuse each other of sabotaging the talks, notes Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, this coming Tuesday at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. The Israeli Prime Minister's office conveyed this information on Sunday. Netanyahu is also expected to address Congress during his visit to the United States.

On Sunday, Politico reported that Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately delaying talks with Hamas regarding a truce and the release of hostages. According to Politico, the Israeli Prime Minister is under pressure from radical members of his cabinet and is banking on Donald Trump returning to the White House, believing that this would strengthen Israel’s position in the Middle East conflict.