Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Saturday with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s designated envoy to the Middle East, who arrived on a surprise visit. The meeting in Jerusalem comes amid slow progress in negotiations for a hostage release deal.
Israeli officials have been holding discussions since Saturday morning about the potential deal, with Netanyahu directly involved, sources told Ynet. These talks follow what has been described as "additional progress" that could soon lead to Mossad Chief David Barnea traveling to Qatar. However, no official decision has been made, the sources said.
A private jet reportedly prepared to transport Barnea to Qatar earlier this week remains on standby. Barnea may be joined by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied progress in the negotiations, with Netanyahu’s office saying that talks are proceeding under “strict confidentiality.”
Witkoff recently participated in negotiations in Doha, arriving in Israel with optimism that a deal could be finalized soon. According to sources familiar with the discussions, about 90% of the agreement is complete, but disagreements persist over transitioning from the first stage of the deal—a humanitarian release of hostages—to subsequent phases. Both sides are reportedly stuck on legal language and the degree of operational flexibility each will retain.
Qatari mediators have expressed frustration, alleging that while agreements are made in private, public statements from the parties highlight unresolved disputes. Hamas has yet to provide a list of hostages or give a formal response on the matter, further stalling progress.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Witkoff remains hopeful that a unified front, coupled with U.S. guarantees, will advance negotiations. However, Hamas is reportedly wary of assurances made by the Biden administration, fearing they may not hold under Trump’s presidency.
Protesters present petition demanding hostages be released
(Video: Ido Erez)
Earlier this week, Witkoff described “significant progress” in the negotiations, expressing hope for an agreement before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Speaking on Tuesday, he acknowledged frustrations, saying, “President Trump is determined. He empowers us to act decisively, and decisive action means we must get this done.”
Asked whether Hamas is waiting for Trump to assume office, Witkoff denied it, stating, “No, they’ve heard the message loud and clear: It’s better to conclude this before the inauguration.” Trump himself has repeatedly stressed that a resolution must be reached before he takes office.