Israel accused of SABOTAGING direct U.S.-Hamas talks to prolong Gaza conflict

By ramontomeydw // 2025-03-10

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Israeli media reports indicate that Israel is actively working to undermine direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas in Doha, aimed at securing the release of Israeli captives and exploring a ceasefire agreement.
Israel's opposition to U.S.-Hamas talks stems from fears that such negotiations could lead to arrangements for Gaza's future without Israeli involvement, potentially prioritizing U.S. strategic interests over a swift resolution to the conflict.
Israeli officials have confirmed that the country leaked details of the negotiations to the media, which was characterized as an act of "sabotage."
U.S. President Donald Trump defended his administration's engagement with Hamas, emphasizing that the talks are aimed at securing the release of hostages and not providing cash to the group.
Despite Trump's assurances, Israel remains deeply concerned about the implications of a U.S.-Hamas agreement, as it could force Israel to make concessions on its ambitions in Gaza, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics where allies with vested interests in prolonging conflicts undermine U.S. efforts to broker peace.

Reports from both Israeli and U.S. media have revealed that Israel is actively working to undermine direct talks between the second Trump administration and Hamas – evidence that tensions are rising not only on the battlefield, but also in the diplomatic arena. According to Israeli analyst Ronen Bergman of the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, U.S. sources have put forward the accusation of the Jewish nation "sabotaging" negotiations between Washington and Hamas in the Qatari capital Doha. These talks, which were held without prior notification to Israel, focused on securing the release of Israeli captives with U.S. citizenship and exploring the possibility of a broader ceasefire agreement. But this opposition to a separate U.S.-Hamas channel stems from fears that such talks could lead to arrangements for Gaza's future without Israeli involvement. It also raises concerns that Tel Aviv is prioritizing its strategic interests over a swift resolution to the conflict. "Jerusalem is not happy about the direct U.S.-Hamas talks," an official source told the Times of Israel. The source confirmed that Israel leaked details of the negotiations to the media, a move described by Ynet as an act of "sabotage." This revelation comes amid reports that the U.S. had previously canceled a planned meeting with Hamas due to strong Israeli pressure, prompting Washington to proceed without informing Tel Aviv this time. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump defended his administration's engagement with Hamas, emphasizing that the talks are aimed at securing the release of hostages. "We are helping Israel in those discussions because we’re talking about Israeli hostages," Trump said on Thursday, March 6. (Related: Trump issues "final warning" to Hamas: Release hostages or face destruction.) "We're not doing anything in terms of Hamas. We're not giving cash. You have to negotiate. There's a difference between negotiating and paying. We want to get these people out."

Ceasefire or war: Israel's role in maintaining Gaza conflict

Despite Trump's assurances, Israel remains deeply concerned about the implications of a U.S.-Hamas agreement. An Israeli source familiar with the talks told Yedioth Ahronoth: "The U.S. is currently negotiating a deal with Hamas for the release of the hostages, with Israel ultimately having to pay at least part of the price." This sentiment reflects Israel’s broader fear that Washington's direct engagement could force it to make concessions on its ambitions in Gaza. It mirrors broader geopolitical dynamics, where U.S. efforts to broker peace are being undermined by allies with vested interests in prolonging conflicts. Just as Ukraine and its Western allies have been accused of sabotaging Trump's attempts to negotiate with Russia, Israel appears to be employing similar tactics to maintain control over the Gaza narrative. By obstructing U.S.-Hamas talks, Israel ensures that the war continues, allowing it to pursue its strategic objectives without external interference. For its part, Hamas has rejected Israel's attempts to extend the ceasefire’s first phase, insisting on strict adherence to the original agreement. The group has also condemned Israel's decision to cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move that rights groups argue violates international law. Meanwhile, the second Trump administration has approved massive arms sales to Israel during the ceasefire, further complicating efforts to de-escalate the conflict. "We want to see those hostages come home," U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Thursday. "We're prepared to have dialogue. But if the dialogue doesn't work, then the alternative is not such a good alternative for Hamas." With Israel's actions threatening to derail diplomatic progress, the question remains: Is Tel Aviv more committed to prolonging the war than securing peace? Watch this Fox News report about President Trump's warning to Hamas that Israel will "finish the job" if the group doesn't release the remaining hostages it has. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

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Ceasefire or war: Israel's role in maintaining Gaza conflict

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