Israeli media reported today, Saturday, that "the Israeli war council has expanded the mandate granted to the Israeli negotiating delegation in Doha, led by Mossad Director David Barnea, and granted it limited additional powers." The Israeli delegation arrived in the Qatari capital Doha late Friday to resume talks regarding the release of prisoners and a ceasefire in Gaza. This visit marks the second time in a week that the head of Mossad has been to Qatar.
The "Walla" website stated that the decision to expand the powers came after Shin Bet chief Ronan Bar and Major General Nitzan Alon warned of a lack of progress if the mandate was not expanded. "Walla" quoted sources stating that "the negotiations do not indicate a breakthrough... but there is certainly progress."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with war government members yesterday and urged them to "give real opportunities for negotiations." However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed Blinken that Israel intends to launch a military campaign in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza even without Washington's support.