Netanyahu’s Negotiation Tactics in Gaza
For several weeks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has repeatedly denied allegations suggesting that he is intentionally obstructing a cease-fire agreement in Gaza by adopting a more rigid negotiating stance. Throughout this period, Mr. Netanyahu has consistently attributed the stalemate in negotiations solely to Hamas, despite assertions from senior figures within the Israeli security establishment who claim he is, in fact, impeding the process himself.
However, recent revelations indicate that Mr. Netanyahu has indeed introduced additional conditions to Israel’s negotiating position. These new stipulations, which his own negotiators fear have compounded obstacles to reaching an agreement, were detailed in confidential documents reviewed by The New York Times. According to these documents, Israel communicated a fresh list of demands to American, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators in late July, which included less flexible conditions compared to the principles proposed in late May.
Doubts have also emerged regarding Hamas‘s readiness to compromise on critical issues. Throughout the negotiation process, the group has sought substantial modifications to the terms, although it conceded smaller points in July. Nonetheless, the documents reviewed by The Times reveal that extensive behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the Netanyahu government has taken place, indicating that achieving an agreement may prove challenging in the upcoming round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday.
Among the new conditions outlined, the latest document presented to mediators shortly before a summit in Rome on July 28 suggested that Israeli forces should maintain control over Gaza’s southern border—a stipulation absent from Israel’s initial proposal in May. Furthermore, the latest terms displayed a marked inflexibility regarding the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza once hostilities cease.
Certain members of the Israeli negotiating team have expressed concern that these new additions could jeopardize the ongoing discussions, according to two senior officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to their lack of authorization to address the media. The Times has validated the authenticity of the documents with officials from Israel and other parties involved in the negotiations.
