'Trump is frustrated with Netanyahu so he pushed through a back channel with Hamas'
Mar 10, 2025
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Amos Harel, a senior analyst on security and defense at Haaretz, dives into the intricacies of U.S.-Hamas negotiations during Trump's presidency. He reveals how Trump’s frustrations with stalled talks led to clandestine discussions, sparking debate about Israel's response. Harel critiques IDF leadership changes amidst rising tensions and highlights the failures revealed in the October 7 probe. He emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and independent inquiry while illustrating the emotional toll on families of hostages, all against the backdrop of looming conflict.
Trump's direct negotiations with Hamas reflect his frustration with ongoing diplomatic talks, signaling a shift in U.S. engagement strategies.
The growing division within Israeli society regarding military action against Hamas complicates the nation's prospective response to further conflict.
Deep dives
Negotiations and Hostage Dynamics
The ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza have faced significant challenges, with the current deadlock reflecting the complex interplay of parties involved. The United States has surprisingly engaged directly with Hamas leaders, causing concern among Israelis regarding potential concessions being made without Israeli involvement. The situation is further complicated by mixed signals from various stakeholders, including President Trump’s transactional approach to negotiations, which may prioritize outcomes over traditional alliances. Hostage families are actively pushing for progress, leveraging their relationships with U.S. officials to expedite the release of loved ones amidst a backdrop of urgency and fear for the hostages' safety.
Impacts of U.S. Involvement
The revelation of U.S. officials negotiating with Hamas has sparked a debate about Israel's strategic position and relationship with its allies. Many Israelis perceive this direct communication as a betrayal, raising questions about the implications for Israel’s security and political credibility. Trump's unconventional approach to diplomacy and negotiations may provide some opportunities, but it also introduces unpredictability that could affect Israeli interests. While some view this engagement as a potential pathway to resolving the hostage situation, others worry it undermines Israeli leadership and complicates their negotiation strategy.
Preparation for Renewed Conflict
Current military preparations suggest that both the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas may be gearing up for another potential conflict, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications. The newly appointed IDF Chief of Staff, Ayal Zamir, is reportedly developing extensive plans for a decisive military action against Hamas, which could entail significant risks and consequences. The IDF recognizes the necessity of being prepared for the worst-case scenario, particularly after the failures experienced during the initial conflict phases. However, factions within Israeli society appear divided over the readiness to engage in further combat, complicating the prospect of maintaining firm military support should hostilities escalate.
What if former U.S. President Joe Biden’s envoys had negotiated directly with Hamas behind Israel’s back? Haaretz military analyst Amos Harel says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would surely have cried betrayal and called it de facto recognition of a terrorist group.
But it was President Donald Trump’s White House that made such a move, and therefore no criticism or condemnation was uttered from Jerusalem after it was revealed that the direct talks were taking place.
The fact that the U.S. president took that step, Harel noted, points to the fact that “Trump is quite frustrated” with the “never-ending” talks to move the hostage release and cease-fire deal into its second stage, which is why “the Trump administration took matters into its own hands and decided to push forward through a back channel with Hamas.”
As both Israel and Hamas prepare for a possible return to war, Harel told podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer, it appears that Trump’s “instinct is to reach for a deal and not another war.”
On the podcast, Harel also discussed the resignation last week of IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, probably the most popular high-ranking officer among Israelis, but not so much among Netanyahu’s government ministers; the findings of the official IDF probe into the failures of October 7, and the growing fury of hostage families.
