Report: IDF Negotiator Says There Will Be No Hostage Deal Under Netanyahu Govt

Indirect negotiations are expected to resume soon

An Israeli military officer involved in the indirect hostage deal negotiations with Hamas has expressed frustration with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report from Israel’s Channel 12.

The report said that Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon told Israeli military officials that Israel wouldn’t reach a deal with Hamas under the current government. “We are desperate. With this government formation, there will be no deal,” he said.

Alon also explained that it would be possible to restart military operations in Gaza even if Israel agreed to a deal that would include a commitment to a permanent ceasefire, which has been Hamas’s main demand. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea and continues to vow he will “eradicate” Hamas, a goal the US believes is unrealistic.

“The deal I’m pushing for would provide for the return of all the hostages, while Hamas insists that it must provide for an end to the war,” Alson said. “I told the prime minister that it will be possible to return to fighting at any given moment.”

In response to the report, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) insisted Alon was taken out of context. “Gen. Alon was asked a question by the public about the effect the political leadership has on the talks, and he answered that as one in uniform, he cannot answer such questions,” said IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari.

Netanyahu’s office released a statement criticizing Alon’s comments. “The clashes from within the negotiating team only strengthen Hamas’s position, harm the families, and distance the release of our hostages,” the office said.

Hostage deal negotiations have been suspended since around the time Israel launched its invasion of the southern Gaza City of Rafah, which it began by capturing the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border. Reports say negotiations are expected to continue this week after CIA Director William Burns met with Mossad Chief David Barnea and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.