Netanyahu sidelined? U.S. bypasses Israel in direct Hamas talks, as cease-fire talks restart in Qatar
Israeli negotiators are heading to Qatar on Monday to resume talks with Hamas over the next phase of the Gaza cease-fire deal. But the latest developments reveal an uncomfortable truth—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is losing control of the process.
In recent days, Donald Trump’s hostage envoy held direct negotiations with Hamas, bypassing Israel entirely. This unprecedented move underscores Washington’s growing distrust in Netanyahu’s leadership and its frustration with the slow progress of talks led by Qatar and Egypt.
The U.S. administration has made it clear: they no longer believe Netanyahu can deliver. The direct engagement with Hamas signals that Trump’s team is taking matters into their own hands, an extraordinary shift that sidelines both Israel and its traditional mediators.
Now, Israel’s delegation is scrambling to reassert itself in the negotiations. The talks in Qatar will focus on implementing the next stage of the cease-fire, but the power dynamics have changed. With Washington stepping in directly, Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure from all sides—international allies, domestic critics, and even his own government.
For months, cease-fire negotiations have dragged on, with Israel insisting on harsher conditions and Hamas refusing to budge. Qatar and Egypt have served as intermediaries, but progress has been painfully slow. Now, Trump’s intervention has thrown a wrench into the existing diplomatic framework.
The timing is particularly problematic for Netanyahu. His government is already facing mounting political turmoil, and his grip on power has weakened. If the U.S. manages to broker a deal without Israel’s direct involvement, it will be a humiliating blow for Netanyahu—one that could have serious political consequences.
For Hamas, this shift could be a strategic win. Direct talks with the U.S. lend them an air of legitimacy, something Israel has fought to deny them for years. If Trump’s team succeeds in securing the release of hostages or a sustained cease-fire, it will raise questions about whether Israel’s hardline approach has done more harm than good.
Back in Israel, opposition leaders are already seizing on the situation to attack Netanyahu. Critics argue that his failure to manage the cease-fire talks has not only prolonged the conflict but also weakened Israel’s standing on the global stage. Some within his own party are reportedly growing restless, fearing that his missteps could cost them politically.
As the Israeli delegation heads to Qatar, they do so knowing the stakes have never been higher. The cease-fire hangs in the balance, hostages remain in captivity, and Netanyahu’s credibility is on the line. The next few days could determine not just the future of the Gaza truce, but also Netanyahu’s own political survival.
