According to Israeli media, direct talks between the US and Hamas in Gaza for a hostage exchange have caused significant discomfort within the Netanyahu government. The Tel Aviv administration has warned, “Do not offer Hamas a deal without Israel’s consent.”

Reports indicate that the Tel Aviv administration is uneasy about the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza and the direct talks between the US and Hamas regarding a potential prisoner swap. Israel has requested that Washington refrain from presenting an offer without consulting them. As per a report from Israeli news site Walla based on two sources, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a key figure in Israel’s relationship with the US, conveyed opposition to presenting Hamas with an offer without Israel’s approval in a meeting with US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler. It was reported that while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrains from criticizing the US directly, his advisors are deeply troubled by the direct negotiations with Hamas.

In the negotiations, the US reportedly shared that securing the release of American-Israeli prisoners in Gaza would provide assurance to Trump, enabling him to pressure for a long-term ceasefire. It was also shared that the discussion included the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of the American citizen in Gaza, to which Israel objected, and Washington was reportedly unsatisfied with Hamas’ response.