Shock and disappointment in Israel over the direct talks held by the Trump administration with Hamas, aimed at securing the release of American citizens held hostage. An Israeli official familiar with the details told Israel Hayom that "this is a very problematic move, to say the least." While Israel was aware of the secret channel, officials are deeply unhappy about its existence.
So far, the talks led by Adam Boehler, Trump's envoy for the rescue of American hostages worldwide, with Hamas representatives in Qatar have yielded no results. The existence of these talks was first revealed by journalist Barak Ravid. According to the report, which was confirmed by Israeli sources and not denied by the White House, Boehler held several meetings in Doha with Hamas representatives in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, as newly appointed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir takes office, Israel is preparing for a possible renewal of fighting in Gaza amid the ongoing deadlock in negotiations with Hamas. The political leadership has not yet made a decision to resume hostilities, and the next cabinet meeting has been scheduled for Sunday. It is also unclear when American envoy Steve Witkoff, who is leading the hostage release efforts on Trump's behalf, will arrive in the region.
At the same time, a Hamas source told the Saudi outlet Al Arabiya that representatives of the terrorist organization met directly with Trump's hostage affairs envoy. According to the source, the talks focused on the issue of the American hostages and began several weeks ago.
Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, told Fox Business that "President Trump's administration fundamentally changed its approach to Hamas. Instead of putting pressure on Israel, they are pressuring Hamas. We would all be happy to see the hostages return and reunite with their families, in their homes and in their homeland. If this happens as a result of the direct talks between the US and Hamas, we would welcome it."
