A senior political figure commented today on the efforts to release the captives from Gaza through Qatari mediation: "The contacts with the Qataris are being conducted by the head of the Mossad, along with the Intelligence Directorate of Nitzan Alon and the head of the Shin Bet. They report to the Security Cabinet."
Regarding the controversies surrounding the involvement of former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen, the source said, "Yossi Cohen is not officially appointed to serve as an envoy on behalf of the Prime Minister. He did approach the Prime Minister at the beginning of the war with a message from an Arab leader. The Prime Minister received the message but directed him to work under the current Mossad chief Barnea. Parallel channels could complicate the matter."
Yesterday (Saturday), in an exceptional move, the Mossad clarified that all negotiations were conducted by the Mossad director and not by any other entity. Now, the political establishment is organizing things. According to the source, there was never an option for the release of captives with foreign citizenship in a separate deal.
Did the pressure of the ground operation lead to a change in Hamas' willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange deal?
"We see something, but it's not ripe yet. Previously, we didn't see anything. Even if there is a ceasefire in exchange for the return of the captives, it will be temporary, and Israel will continue to act against Hamas."
After the war: Israel will control security in Gaza
Regarding the war's objectives, the diplomatic source stated, "I don't see a situation where Israel won't have the ultimate security responsibility in Gaza." Regarding the civilians: "It's not enough to rebuild Gaza. It needs a process of denazification. This culture (of wanting to kill Jews) still exists within the Palestinian territories."
The concern also exists on the front in Judea and Samaria, where the possibility of a "turn of events" is looming before us.
The situation in the north: "Residents will be able to return due to the scope and strength of the victory over Hamas. Additionally, the IDF will be prepared for a border breach, not just the infiltration of cells into settlements. The IDF will be larger. We will invest in the military. Hezbollah cannot currently breach the border due to our forces' readiness and preparedness. Therefore, the event of northern front occupation has diminished."
Netanyahu is not focused on the time after the war
Regarding the Abraham Accords and the rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, he said, "There are smart people in both Saudi Arabia and Israel. The activity we began before the war can continue afterward, but on the condition that we win."
About Netanyahu's political future after the current events, he said, "The Prime Minister is focused solely on managing the war. Let the public deal with it; the Prime Minister does not intend to deal with it right now."
