Political Interference Slows Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks
Efforts to revive a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have faced increasing delays and complications since Israel shifted control of negotiations from its top intelligence chiefs to a close political aide of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This change, made in February, replaced experienced security professionals like Mossad head David Barnea and former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a trusted confidant of Netanyahu.
According to sources involved in the negotiation process, Dermer’s involvement has significantly altered the tone and pace of discussions. While the talks were once managed primarily by intelligence officials skilled in sensitive and covert diplomacy, they are now seen as more politicized. One negotiator noted that the priorities of the Israeli team seem to have shifted, with politics appearing to overshadow national security goals.
The firing of Ronen Bar and the sidelining of Barnea have sparked domestic controversy, with critics accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing his political survival over the swift and safe return of Israeli hostages. Dermer’s leadership has drawn criticism from families of the hostages, who believe that his appointment has hindered progress and left them feeling abandoned. In a public letter, they accused him of failing to deliver results after more than a month in charge.
Despite these criticisms, an Israeli official defended Dermer’s role, asserting that only someone who truly represents the government can successfully negotiate a binding agreement. However, observers say that sidelining dissenting voices has weakened the negotiating team and introduced rigidity into an already fragile process.
The initial ceasefire, reached earlier this year, collapsed when Israel resumed military operations, accusing Hamas of rejecting proposals to extend the truce. Hamas denied the accusations. Throughout, Netanyahu has maintained that freeing hostages remains a top priority. Yet critics argue that his primary focus has shifted toward eliminating Hamas, a key demand of his right-wing political allies.
This delicate balancing act between military objectives and hostage recovery is now being micromanaged by Dermer, allowing Netanyahu to maintain control over both outcomes and the political narrative. Unlike the previous negotiators who maintained open channels with Egypt and Qatar—key mediators with ties to Hamas—Dermer’s engagement with these actors has reportedly been limited.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has stepped up its involvement. Hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have been actively exploring options to secure the release of American and Israeli hostages and extend the ceasefire. A recent proposal backed by Egypt and Qatar, reportedly similar to one Witkoff put forth, aimed to release five hostages including American Edan Alexander. However, Israel countered with a demand for eleven, a figure Hamas sees as too high given the leverage it reduces.
The urgency is growing. U.S. officials, along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, are pushing for a breakthrough, especially as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies. Despite frustrations, the talks continue, with hopes that a new structure or strategy might overcome the current impasse.
Still, many involved believe the current makeup of the Israeli negotiation team under Dermer is not facilitating progress. While technical discussions persist, momentum is lacking. Without a realignment of priorities or a change in approach, the path to a renewed ceasefire remains uncertain.
