Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured Qatar that Israel will not target Hamas leaders residing in the country, according to the Jerusalem Post, citing the French newspaper Le Figaro. Le Figaro reported that Netanyahu committed to Qatar that Israel would not target Hamas leaders living there. According to French journalist Georges Malbrunot, citing undisclosed sources, Qatar received assurances from Israel that the Mossad would not carry out assassinations in the country, and that "Doha presented its preconditions to Israel weeks ago before taking on its role as a mediator in the hostage issue."
Netanyahu commented on this matter differently during a press conference last Wednesday. His remarks came in response to leaks circulated by Israeli media about political leaders in Hamas, who stated that they would not relinquish control of the Gaza Strip. When asked if it was possible to target leaders of the movement abroad during the ceasefire, Netanyahu stated: "I instructed the Mossad to act against Hamas leaders wherever they may be." In response to a question regarding whether the truce, which will last four days but may be extended for a few more days, applies to targeting Hamas leaders, presumably referring to those leaders abroad, Netanyahu said, "There is no such commitment." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also commented, stating that "terrorist leaders" are living on "borrowed time," and that they are "condemned to death."
Netanyahu from Gaza
Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that he met with security forces in the Gaza Strip today, Sunday. A statement from the office noted that Netanyahu spoke with soldiers and commanders and received a security briefing. Netanyahu said: "Nothing will stop us, and we are convinced that we have the strength, capability, will, and determination to achieve all the war's objectives, and that's what we will do."
### Leaders of Hamas
Hamas leaders, classified as terrorists, live in Qatar, including the group's political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh. Qatar plays a key mediator role alongside Egypt and the United States between Israel and Hamas, having reached a truce agreement that can be extended, stipulating the exchange of 50 hostages held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian detainees, including women and minors.
