The Israeli government has reached understandings with the U.S. administration on full coordination regarding negotiations with the terrorist organization Hamas on the issue of the hostages who still remain captive in Gaza, both American and Israeli.
These understandings were formulated following reports that some of the discussions conducted by Trump’s envoy, United States Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler, with senior Hamas officials took place without Israeli coordination.
Netanyahu: All Talks with Hamas Will Be Fully Coordinated with Israel
At the cabinet meeting held yesterday (Sunday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the matter has been “refined” and that all discussions with Hamas will be fully coordinated with Israel.
Trump envoy: “Something could happen in Gaza within weeks”
According to reports, Boehler met directly with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, who was involved in planning the October 7 attack, and received from Hamas representatives a proposal for a a prolonged ceasefire in exchange for security guarantees.
However, he also tweeted energetically that this shouldn’t be misinterpreted as a soft position towards Hamas, emphasizing its nature as a terrorist organization, and making it clear that no member of the organization would be safe if Hamas does not act immediately to release the hostages.
I want to be CRYSTAL CLEAR as some have misinterpreted. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has murdered thousands of innocent people. They are BY DEFINITION BAD people. And as @POTUS has said, not a single Hamas member will be safe if Hamas doesn’t RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES… https://t.co/4sMq6zFKQE
— Adam Boehler (@aboehler) March 9, 2025
Hamas Proposal: “I Thought It Wasn’t a Bad Opening Offer”
In an interview with Kan 11, Boehler stated that Hamas proposed a ceasefire lasting between five and ten years, during which it would lay down its arms and refrain from military or political activity.
“The United States and other countries will ensure that no tunnels are dug in the Strip,” Boehler noted, adding, “I thought it wasn’t a bad opening offer at all.”
Boheler’s remarks about Hamas talks, as well as the talks themselves gave rise to much criticism, among them former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who wrote to him on X: ”
“A deal with Hamas is a waste of time and will never be kept. Attempting one is beneath the dignity of the United States. Adam, I know you mean well but listen to your boss. The choice must remain binary: release all the hostages and surrender, or be destroyed”.
Israeli Delegation Heads to Doha
A Palestinian source involved in the talks noted that there has been no progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, only in American-mediated discussions. According to him, no new proposal has been put forward in the negotiations yet, but this may happen soon.
Meanwhile, a working-level Israeli delegation will arrive in Doha, Qatar, today to continue discussions. The delegation will not include Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer but will be led by Hostages and Missing Persons Coordinator Gal Hirsch, along with an ISA (Shin Bet) representative and other professionals.
Talks are expected to continue in the coming days, with both the United States and Israel anticipating progress that will enable the release of all 59 hostages still held in Gaza, not just those with American citizenship.
