What It Is About
Senior US officials have expressed skepticism about introducing a new proposal for a hostage deal involving Hamas and Israel. The US continues to coordinate with Qatar and Egypt on a draft, but President Joe Biden’s senior advisers are debating the viability of tabling such a proposal as the discord between Hamas and Israel broadens.
Why It Matters
President Biden has been personally involved in the hostage negotiations and is eager to push for an agreement. Despite this, there is growing concern within the White House that any new proposal might be immediately dismissed, reflecting a critical impasse as differences widen between Hamas and Israel.
Between The Lines
The Biden administration is facing a challenging situation. Senior US officials believe Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is not genuinely interested in negotiating. Moreover, the recent murder of hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, escalates tensions, making Biden leery of presenting further concessions amidst new demands from Hamas.
Behind The Scenes
Over the past week, top advisers have been holding discussions and have grown increasingly skeptical about reaching a deal soon. There have been no significant developments despite continuous talks between the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
American officials have highlighted frustration in the White House, primarily due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firm stance on maintaining military control along the Philadelphi corridor. This has contributed to a sense of pessimism among US officials about the feasibility of a deal.
What’s Next
The Biden administration is still working in close collaboration with Qatar and Egypt to formulate a more detailed proposal. However, the immediate focus has shifted towards finding effective methods for Egypt and Qatar to apply pressure on Sinwar. Despite these efforts, meaningful progress remains elusive.
Bottom Line
Israeli officials are aware of ongoing discussions, but no major advancements have occurred. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is reassessing its strategic approach as both sides grapple with substantial challenges in achieving any timely resolution.
This story was first published on jpost.com.