The Israeli media: The behind scenes of the negotiations to calm Gaza and exchange prisoners
The Israeli Channel 12 described the current stage as “fateful, dramatic, and terrible,” in its coverage of what is happening behind the scenes of the negotiations aimed at concluding a prisoner exchange deal, and what the Prime Minister of the Occupation Government, Benjamin Netanyahu, rejects, and what the security and military institutions in Israel want.
According to the military affairs commentator on the Israeli channel, Nir Dvori, those who spoke with Netanyahu in recent days realize that “he doesn’t now want to contain the end of the war in Gaza, and this is something that is included in the negotiations, and it could have a fundamental impact”.
He added that Netanyahu opposes the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip, and this obstacle, along with the previous one, must be overcome, he said.
Dvori pointed out that what worries Netanyahu most these days is the issue of the memorandums that the International Court in The Hague will issue against Israel officials and army leaders regarding the issue of war crimes, and the delegations that he sent to US President Joe Biden to stop that.
He added that, on the other hand, the Israeli Minister of Security and Chief of Staff believe that the issue of returning the prisoners is at the top of the missions, and that it can wait with Rafah, until a later time.
Dvori revealed that there are now efforts behind the scenes to reach a deal that includes stopping the fighting, followed by the release of prisoners and normalization with Saudi Arabia, speaking of good Israeli coordination with Egypt regarding the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, and waiting for Hamas’ response.
He said that the security and military institutions are obligated to push Netanyahu towards a deal now, and the problem is his cabinet, adding that after Hamas’ response in the coming days, negotiations will begin intensively.
