On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is resolute in its demands regarding security in the ongoing negotiations concerning hostages. This statement came just days after talks in Qatar raised hopes for a potential agreement.

While addressing his Cabinet in a weekly meeting, Netanyahu aimed to temper heightened global expectations for a significant breakthrough. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar had previously expressed optimism following two days of discussions in Doha.

“We are negotiating, not giving things away,” Netanyahu stated in a post on social media.

The Biden administration is working to resolve differences between Israel and Hamas regarding the flow of aid through border points and the number and identification of Israeli hostages and security prisoners to be released. On Friday, President Joe Biden noted that the involved parties were “closer than we’ve ever been” to reaching an agreement. Nonetheless, a senior Hamas official, who spoke to the BBC on the condition of anonymity, indicated that no progress had been made.

Netanyahu has persistently insisted that remnants of the weakened Hamas militant group must not play any part in Gaza’s future, a stance that Hamas has frequently dismissed. Any shift in Netanyahu’s position could jeopardize his tenuous coalition with Israel’s far-right factions and threaten his position as prime minister.

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∎ Netanyahu criticized Hamas for their refusal to negotiate, highlighting their absence of a representative at the Doha talks. He stated that international pressure should be directed towards Hamas, not the Israeli government.

∎ The Prime Minister issued a warning to Iran and Hezbollah, both of whom have vowed to retaliate for recent killings in Tehran and Beirut, asserting that Israel is prepared for any threats and will impose severe consequences on any adversary that dares to attack.

Blinken advocates for a deal to achieve a ceasefire

On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to Israel with a “bridging proposal” intended to initiate a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid, and lay the groundwork for broader regional stability.

The Times of Israel, reporting from insiders familiar with the discussions, mentioned that the proposal does not guarantee a continued Israeli presence along the Gaza-Egypt border or a means to completely prevent the resurgence of armed Hamas groups in Gaza—two crucial demands put forth by Netanyahu. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Hamas has conveyed to negotiators that it would not accept a deal including these conditions.

Additionally, Blinken is expected to stress the vital importance of all parties in the region avoiding any escalation or actions that could impede progress towards finalizing an agreement, as indicated in a statement from his office.