Israel opposes direct US-Hamas talks, Netanyahu’s aide clashes with US envoy

A high-level discussion between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close aide Ron Dermer and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler reportedly turned heated over the issue of direct negotiations between the US and Hamas.

Sources told American news website Axios that in February, when US officials initially floated the idea of directly engaging with Hamas, Israeli officials strongly advised against it. However, Israel later learned through alternative sources that the US had proceeded with the talks despite their objections.

Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasised Israel’s stance on the matter, but Dermer was more confrontational in his recent call with Boehler, expressing strong disapproval of the US initiative.

The call took place shortly after Boehler met with Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas political leader and the head of its negotiation team in Doha. This was a step up from previous discussions that Boehler had with lower-level Hamas representatives.

The primary focus of these talks was securing the return of the bodies of four deceased American hostages and negotiating the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American hostage.

The proposed agreement was seen as a stepping stone toward a broader deal, which could include: a long-term ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages, safe passage out of Gaza for Hamas leaders, and ultimately, an end to the war.

The discussions also touched upon the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would be required to release in exchange for Alexander - a point Israel had not agreed to.

While Netanyahu previously dismissed the possibility of direct US-Hamas negotiations, Israeli officials are now increasingly worried that the talks are actually taking place, according to sources.

The conversation between Boehler and Dermer was described as tense, with Dermer objecting to Boehler’s negotiations without Israel’s approval.

The idea of direct negotiations with Hamas had been pushed by three American hostage families during the Biden administration in hopes of securing the release of their loved ones. However, Washington had initially rejected the approach, fearing that engaging with Hamas would legitimise the group, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation.

A former Biden adviser noted that previous talks were unsuccessful, as Hamas demanded a ceasefire and prisoner releases, matters ultimately controlled by Israel.

With the Trump administration now in power, there has been a renewed push for a Gaza deal. Steve Witkoff, a key negotiator, initially suggested direct talks with Hamas during the final days of the Biden administration, though they did not materialise at the time.

On Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of the remaining hostages. He warned on Truth Social, "This is your last warning!"

Witkoff, who is set to travel for further negotiations next week, emphasised that securing Alexander’s release is the top priority, as he is injured. However, he cautioned that such a deal could bolster Hamas politically. If Hamas fails to adopt a "reasonable" approach, Israel is likely to take action, he added.