Is Netanyahu abandoning the ceasefire deal? Claims he is 'waiting to meet with Trump'

The second phase of negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Hamas and Israel in Gaza was set to take place in Qatar. Netanyahu, who traveled to Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump, has postponed sending the delegation. In his initial statements in the US, Netanyahu expressed that they would reshape the map of the Middle East. The decision to send a delegation is expected to be made following the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump.

It has been reported that Netanyahu is waiting for his meeting with Trump to learn about Trump's stance on the second phase of the deal and to determine whether an agreement can be reached.

According to a report by the Israel-based Walla, sources who requested anonymity noted that Netanyahu would make the decision on sending a delegation after meeting with Trump.

It was alleged that one of the sources stated that the second phase of negotiations, which will address the governance of the Gaza Strip and the complete end of the war, will be very different from the first phase.

Israel was expected to send a delegation to Qatar on Monday, the 16th day of the agreement, for the start of the second phase of talks.

Traveling to the US this morning (February 2), Netanyahu responded to a question about the ceasefire negotiations by saying they would 'reshape the map of the Middle East' and that he 'believes Trump will be by his side'

MEETING CANCELED AT THE LAST MINUTE

The Israeli press had suggested that a meeting would be held to decide on sending a negotiating delegation to Qatar to continue hostage exchange talks with Hamas, and reported that the meeting was canceled at the last minute.

Israel's Channel 12 television noted that Netanyahu was considering appointing Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to head the negotiating delegation he plans to send to Qatar, instead of the Director of the Israeli foreign intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea.

Netanyahu, who flew to the US to meet with President Trump, announced that he would meet with Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff in Washington tomorrow to discuss the second phase of the deal, thereby suggesting that they would initiate the second phase of negotiations, which was supposed to begin on the 16th day according to the agreement.

Netanyahu noted that Witkoff would subsequently meet with officials from the other mediating countries, Qatar and Egypt.

News Source: AA