The Israeli site "Walla" reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new demand to prevent the return of militants to northern Gaza may hinder negotiations regarding a ceasefire and exchange deal. It mentioned that "a senior Israeli official confirmed that Netanyahu informed the negotiating team members that he insists on this demand." In contrast, "members of the Israeli negotiating delegation believe that Netanyahu's demand is tactical and aims to push Hamas to make further concessions," according to "Walla."
Moreover, Axios reported a source stating that "members of the Israeli negotiating team expressed reservations to Netanyahu about his demand, saying it is not feasible." One Israeli official opposing Netanyahu's demand explained that there is a good deal on the table that can be achieved, but the new demand concerning the prevention of militants' return to northern Gaza "could halt the talks." The reason for Netanyahu's demand remains unclear, as the Israeli official said, "The security apparatus knows how to deal with the return of terrorists to northern Gaza."
Netanyahu's office responded by stating: "The claim by an unnamed security source about adding new principles is a false and unjustified claim." The statement added that "the prime minister insists – and will continue to insist – on maintaining firm positions according to the outlines for the return of captives. Hamas is the one trying to change these outlines, and the prime minister strongly opposes that."
In this context, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that "Netanyahu controls all the details currently and has decided to tighten his position on the negotiations." It noted that Netanyahu complicates the negotiations and wants to manage them himself, following every small detail, and spends more hours on them than before, having made the decision to confront everyone publicly to affirm his rigid positions.
Additionally, the broadcasting authority reported that there is a document showing Israel's previous agreement to withdraw its army from the Netsarim axis unconditionally, confirming that contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel agreed to a full withdrawal of all its forces from Gaza in the second phase of the deal.
### Criticism from Families of Israeli Captives
The families of Israeli captives in Gaza criticized Netanyahu, stating in a statement that they feel shocked by his "irresponsible behavior" that could lead to missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They added: "We scream and feel shocked by the irresponsible behavior that could cause us to lose an opportunity that may never come again. We urge the prime minister – stand behind the deal that you put on the table."
These statements coincided with U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement on Thursday that progress had been made in the negotiations for the exchange deal. He stated, "My teams are making progress in the negotiations for the exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, and I am determined to finalize this deal."
