‘Difficult’ call took place between envoys of Trump and Netanyahu following US-Hamas talks: Report

An intense phone call happened between US President Donald Trump’s hostage envoy and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s ally on Tuesday (March 4) over concerns regarding Washington’s direct negotiations with Palestinian militant organisation Hamas, Axios reported, citing an Israeli official and a source.

The source cited by Axios described the call as “difficult”.

The talks between the US and Hamas were first reported by Axios on Wednesday, which were later confirmed by the US itself. In a statement, the White House said Adam Boehler, USA’s hostage envoy, held talks with senior Hamas official regarding Americans among the remaining hostages in Gaza.

PM Netanyahu’s office also confirmed the talks and asserted Israel was consulted. In a statement, the PMO said it “expressed its opinion” on direct talks.

However, the Times of Israel on Thursday reported that Netanyahu was not pleased with the development.

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While the Israeli PM has refrained from criticising the USA’s direct talks with Hamas, his close confidant Ron Dermer didn’t pull his punches while talking to Adam Boehler over the phone, reported Axios.

According to the report, the call took place several hours after Boehler met Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayya in Doha. Khalil is Hamas’ senior political figure and the head of the negotiating team.

The report said Boehler earlier met with junior Hamas officials in the Qatari capital over the past week. The talks focused on securing the release of American hostage Edan Alexander.

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The talks also addressed key details, such as the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would release in exchange for Alexander’s return—terms that Israel had not previously agreed to.

During the discussions, Dermer objected to Boehler making such proposals without Israel’s approval.

One Israeli official claimed that Dermer’s intense call with Boehler led the White House to reassess its approach.

For months, the families of American hostages had urged the previous American administration of Joe Biden to negotiate directly with Hamas for a separate deal to secure their release, according to three hostage family members cited by Axios.

However, a former official told Axios that the Biden administration doubted such talks would be productive and was concerned about legitimising Hamas, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation.

(With inputs from agencies)