While Israel awaits the release of 13 deceased hostages, Turkey and Qatar are already enjoying enhanced US military cooperation, a stake in the future political settlement and efforts to embed Hamas within Gaza's governing structures. The 80 Turkish "experts" dispatched to Gaza to "assist in locating the hostages" are just the beginning of what may become a long-term presence.
According to the US Treasury Department, the move is intended to strike the heart of the Russian economy and pressure the Kremlin to return to the negotiating table, due to "Russia’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine."
The criticism from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was conveyed to Washington, which is now trying to persuade them that its move toward Qatar does not come at their expense. Israel Hayom has learned that during Kushner and Witkoff’s visit, messages from Israel were delivered to the Gulf states.
Israel Hayom has learned that as part of the terrorist organization’s efforts to suppress rival clans, Hamas has taken some of its political opponents underground.
A major Israeli-Saudi rapprochement, albeit stopping short of Riyadh officially joining the Abraham Accords, to happen within a year, source says, despite Iranian efforts to derail move. Direct contacts occurred in 2023 between Saudi Arabia and Israel, including between Netanyahu and bin Salman.
