Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new demands in the hostage release negotiations with Hamas are causing quite a stir in diplomatic circles. As Israel prepares to submit its latest proposal to the US, some officials are warning that these fresh clauses could be a "death blow" to the delicate talks.
The new offer, which landed on the White House's desk Saturday, comes with some hefty conditions. Israel wants a mechanism to prevent Hamas fighters from moving back to northern Gaza, insists on maintaining control of the Gaza-Egypt border during the deal's first phase, and demands a full list of living hostages Hamas plans to release.
But here's the kicker: Some top Israeli officials aren't even sure the proposal will make it past the Arab mediators. "It's doubtful they'll pass this on to Hamas, given the substantive changes," one official told Channel 12 news, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The timing couldn't be more crucial. Mossad chief David Barnea is set to meet with key mediators in Rome on Sunday, including CIA director William Burns and Qatar's Prime Minister. But with these new demands on the table, the mood is tense.
Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zanguaker, accused the PM of deliberately dragging his feet at a Tel Aviv demonstration. "There's a deal on the table, and Netanyahu is assassinating it," she said.
Meanwhile, the White House is watching closely. Netanyahu's recent US visit included a meeting between President Biden and hostages' relatives, where Biden promised to do "all within my power" to secure their release.
As the region holds its breath, the question remains: Will these new demands break the deadlock, or are they a step too far? With 111 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, including 39 confirmed dead, the stakes couldn't be higher.
* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.
