Trump Threatened Netanyahu Over Prisoner Exchange Deal, Forcing Him to Concede

According to the Hebrew Broadcast Authority “KAN,” the recent progress in the negotiations stems from a message delivered by a Trump envoy to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying President Donald Trump’s urgent desire to reach a deal immediately.

The message reportedly took the form of a threat, warning that there would be repercussions for Israel if a prisoner exchange agreement was not concluded at once. In light of this pressure, Israel softened its stance on several points.

Separately, on Monday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza is close at hand, potentially finalized in the final week of President Joe Biden’s term.

Speaking to reporters, Sullivan stated, “We are close to reaching a deal, and it may happen this week. I am not making a promise or prediction, but the possibility is there, and we will work to turn it into reality.”

A source familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that Qatar delivered a “final” draft of the ceasefire and prisoner release plan to both “Israel” and Hamas for approval. The source added that a breakthrough was reached in Doha shortly after midnight following talks between Israeli intelligence leaders, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, and the Qatari prime minister.

The official noted that the Qatari prime minister met with a Hamas delegation, while Trump’s envoy held talks with an Israeli delegation, pushing both sides to finalize the deal.

Quoting an unnamed Hamas source, Reuters reported that the negotiations on key issues regarding the Gaza ceasefire made tangible progress and that the remaining details are being worked out swiftly.