Netanyahu caught in vice grip: Israeli media

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing a challenging dilemma, Israeli media reported on Monday. 

On the one hand, Hamas is exerting pressure so Netanyahu would meet demands for a permanent ceasefire, but on the other hand, the Biden administration is urging him to demonstrate more flexibility and pursue a deal for the captives. According to the reports, the level of pressure from the United States will determine Netanyahu’s response to the Biden administration’s efforts.

Washington’s proposed steps are expected to significantly influence the ongoing developments, as per Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The United States reportedly suggests a package deal that includes Israeli concessions alongside various gestures, such as an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement.

The daily also highlighted that if Netanyahu declines to back down from the Rafah invasion, it could result in imposing restrictions on US weapons to the Israeli army, in addition to worsening the international blockade. The announcement of an economic boycott by Turkey is seen as an initial setback, with the possibility of further boycotts.

Additionally, Haaretz noted that the prospect of arrest warrants being issued against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials by the ICC is particularly concerning for Netanyahu, as they are mainly directly aimed at him.

Hamas delegation leaves Cairo, to consult negotiations in Doha

Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas affirmed on Sunday that the negotiations ended “a short while ago, and the delegation will leave Cairo tonight, to consult with the movement’s leadership in Doha.”

It further stated that its delegation handed its response to the mediator in Egypt and Qatar after in-depth and serious talks took place.

It noted that it would act “with all positivity, responsibility, and our keenness and determination to reach an agreement that meets the national demands of our people and ends the aggression completely.”

Al Mayadeen obtained a copy of the latter from Hamas’ leadership to the leaders of the Palestinian factions, in which Hamas expressed commitment to continuing negotiations positively to fulfill the legitimate demands and goals of the Palestinians.