No partial deals with Hamas. That’s the word that came out of the Israeli prime minister’s office via Channel 12 News yesterday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will only pursue a deal with Hamas going forward that includes the release of all remaining hostages, with President Donald Trump saying he agrees with the premier’s assessment that Hamas will not agree to a deal under the current circumstances, the Times of Israel reported yesterday. “The prime minister would be willing to hold negotiations [for a deal] under conditions that we set for ending the war—and only if all the hostages were to be returned. Until then, we will not participate whatsoever in negotiations,” Channel 12 news quoted unnamed sources close to Netanyhu as saying.
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is described as the deciding factor in Netanyahu’s decision. He reportedly urged against any partial deals during Thursday’s security cabinet meeting.
