Israel, Under US Pressure, Expected To Join Cairo Hostage Talks

Following US pressure, Israel is reportedly set to send a delegation to Cairo on Tuesday for discussions on a comprehensive framework aiming at the release of hostages and securing an extended ceasefire. According to a Channel 12 report on Monday, Mossad’s David Barnea, along with Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and Nitzan Alon, who is commanding intelligence efforts to find the abductees, will lead the delegation,

The proposed framework, a result of intensive negotiations last month in Paris, saw contributions from key international figures such as CIA Director Bill Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. Despite initial hesitations due to a challenging counterproposal from Hamas, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized as “delusional,” the United States remains optimistic about the potential for progress. Hamas’ demands include a comprehensive ceasefire and significant concessions from Israel, including troop withdrawals and prisoner releases.

US President Joe Biden reportedly engaged in discussions with Netanyahu on Sunday, during a call that lasted approximately 45 minutes, where he advocated for Israel’s participation in the Cairo talks.  During the call, Biden “reaffirmed our shared goal to see Hamas defeated and to ensure the long-term security of Israel and its people” and “discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas,” according to a White House readout.