[News] Netanyahu moves to sabotage ceasefire talks: Israeli media

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/netanyahu-moves-to-sabotage-ceasefire-talks--israeli-media>
Netanyahu moves to sabotage ceasefire talks: Israeli media
Al Mayadeen English
February 10, 2025
------------------------------

Israeli reports indicate that Netanyahu is more concerned about appeasing
"Israel's" far-right factions than securing the freedom of Israeli
captives.
[image: aa57094d-9669-4381-b3ae-8bf3a19212b6.jpg]

   - International red cross cars wait for Israeli captives who have been
   held captives by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, in Deir al-Balah,
   central Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 8, 2025 (AP Photo/Mohammad Abu Samra)

Israeli media on Sunday revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is
deliberately obstructing the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas,
aiming to derail the agreement before its next phase
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/israeli-cabinet-set-to-discuss-second-phase-of-deal>
.

Reports suggest that the Israeli delegation sent to Qatar lacks real
authority, signaling Netanyahu's unwillingness to move forward with a deal
that would secure the release of more Palestinian prisoners and a permanent
ceasefire in Gaza.

*Haaretz* cited sources stating that the delegation's presence in Doha is
merely for show.

"Netanyahu is signaling quite clearly that he does not want to move on to
the next phase," one source said, adding that he views the ceasefire as
politically damaging.

The reports indicate that Netanyahu is more concerned about appeasing
"Israel's" far-right factions than securing the freedom of Israeli
captives. "Right-wing voters see on the ground that we have not defeated
Hamas and its operatives continue to walk around with weapons," the source
explained, referencing a sign at a Hamas-organized captive release event in
Gaza that mocked Netanyahu
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-undefeated-hamas-humiliates-israel---israeli-media-says-on>'s
claim of achieving "total victory."
Efforts to Undermine the Agreement

According to *Haaretz*, Netanyahu's obstructionist tactics could lead to
the ceasefire breaking down entirely. Analysts warn that Hamas, recognizing
"Israel's" refusal to honor its commitments, may halt further captive
releases.

"Hamas is not stupid," a source said. "They see the politicization of the
negotiations, the placement of Netanyahu confidants Ron Dermer
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/no-israeli-pledge-to-accept-palestine-state-in-saudi-talks>
and Gal Hirsch [at the helm of negotiations], the threats by [Finance
Minister Bezalel] Smotrich and the right-wing ministers that they will
dissolve the government. They understand where this is going."

*Channel 12* confirmed that Netanyahu sent the delegation only to discuss
technicalities and not to negotiate the second phase of the ceasefire.
Officials stated, "This delegation has no real mandate. It will not deal
with anything related to the second phase."

Among the delegation members was government hostage negotiator Gal Hirsch,
along with a Shin Bet official replacing the security agency's head, Ronen
Bar, who was removed from the process by Netanyahu.

Hamas officials have warned that "Israel's" bad-faith approach could
reignite hostilities. In an interview with *AFP*, Hamas politburo member Basem
Naim
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-israel--jeopardizing-gaza-ceasefire-preservation--hamas>
criticized "Israel's" failure to fulfill its obligations. "The delay and
lack of commitment in implementing the first phase," as well as the
attempts to "pressure the Palestinian negotiators upon entering the second
phase, certainly exposes this agreement to danger and thus it might stop
and collapse" he said.
Agreement in Jeopardy

The first phase of the ceasefire, set to last 42 days, stipulates that
Hamas will release 33 women, children, and elderly captives in exchange for
the freedom of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been
detained without charge.

The next phase, if honored, would require "Israel" to release additional
Palestinian detainees, halt military aggression, and withdraw from Gaza in
exchange for the release of remaining captives.

*Read more: 'Israel' finalizing withdrawal from key Gaza corridor under
deal
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-israel--finalizing-withdrawal-from-key-gaza-corridor-under>*

Following the latest release, 73 captives out of the 251 taken on October 7
remain in Gaza, while at least 34 have been confirmed dead.

Hamas has so far released 21 captives under the current ceasefire, while
105 were freed during a brief truce in November. In contrast, "Israel" has
continued its violent occupation, killing thousands of Palestinian
civilians and maintaining its siege on Gaza.

"Israel" is also holding thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including
children, journalists, and activists, many of whom have been subjected to
inhumane treatment.
Political Calculations

Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu's primary concern is
preserving his political standing among the far-right, rather than
achieving peace or ensuring the safe return of captives.

*Walla* reported that the delegation's trip to Qatar was largely symbolic,
meant to placate US President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in
seeing the deal fully implemented.
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