Witkoff: Hamas not rigid, Netanyahu betraying what Israelis really want regarding hostages

In a revealing podcast interview, Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, asserted that Hamas is not as ideologically inflexible as widely believed, suggesting the Gaza war could be resolved through dialogue. Speaking on March 21 with conservative host Tucker Carlson, Witkoff also acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while “well-motivated,” is navigating intense domestic pressure to prioritize the release of hostages over dismantling Hamas.

The 90-minute discussion covered a range of topics, including the motivations of Israel, Hamas, and Qatar in the ongoing conflict, the potential for regional destabilization, and new details about Witkoff’s role in brokering January’s now-collapsed Gaza ceasefire. The Trump appointee also defended Qatar’s mediation efforts, hinted at Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa possibly evolving beyond his Al-Qaeda past, and expressed optimism about diplomatically addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Witkoff’s appearance on Carlson’s show—a platform criticized in some American Jewish circles for hosting controversial figures—underscored his role as a key figure in President Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy, appealing to Carlson’s large, Trump-supportive audience.

Understanding Hamas

Witkoff opened by explaining his approach to negotiations, emphasizing the need to grasp the goals of all parties. “What does Hamas want? They want to rule Gaza indefinitely, and that’s unacceptable,” he said. “They need to demilitarize. Then maybe they could have a political role, but a terrorist group running Gaza won’t work for Israel—or we’ll see another October 7 every few years.”

Though he relies on Qatar as an intermediary rather than engaging Hamas directly, Witkoff reflected on the terror group’s October 7, 2023, attack after viewing footage compiled by Israeli authorities. “It was horrific—mass rapes, beheadings. There’s no justification,” he said. Yet, he stressed the importance of a dispassionate approach: “You have to know what Hamas wants and find a way for them to exit gracefully.”

Challenging the notion that Hamas is driven solely by ideology, Witkoff remarked, “I told the president I don’t think they’re ideologically locked in. They strap suicide vests on kids who don’t understand—they tell them a story. Once you see they want to live, you can negotiate more effectively.” He cited US intelligence and negotiation dynamics as shaping his view.

Ceasefire Hopes Persist Despite Setbacks

Despite Hamas rejecting a recent US proposal to extend January’s ceasefire and release additional hostages, Witkoff remained cautiously optimistic. After Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza this week—following a two-month pause—he suggested the strikes could pressure Hamas into reason. “We’re talking again,” he revealed. “We’re negotiating to stop these strikes and maybe end this conflict through dialogue.”

The envoy acknowledged the complexity of Israel’s position, noting Netanyahu’s insistence on dismantling Hamas militarily clashes with public sentiment favoring hostage returns. “Bibi believes pressuring Hamas is the only way, but he’s up against opinion wanting those hostages home,” Witkoff said, citing polls showing strong Israeli support for a deal.

Netanyahu’s Strategy and Regional Concerns

Pressed on Israel’s post-war plan for Gaza, Witkoff sidestepped specifics, praising Netanyahu’s success against Iran’s regional proxies while noting the absence of a clear vision. He hinted at emerging Egyptian and Saudi proposals but offered no concrete Israeli strategy, saying only that clarity would emerge “over the next six to 12 months.”

Witkoff warned of broader risks if the conflict persists, pointing to potential instability in Egypt and Jordan due to economic woes and youth unrest. He also tied Saudi normalization with Israel to resolving Gaza, despite Riyadh’s demand for a Palestinian state—a condition Netanyahu rejects.

Qatar’s Role and Beyond

Defending Qatar against critics who allege ties to extremism, Witkoff called the Gulf state a vital US ally and mediator. “They’re good, decent people who want peace,” he said, dismissing claims of Iranian influence as “preposterous.”

Looking beyond Gaza, Witkoff suggested Syria’s Sharaa might have moderated and revealed Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, offering talks to avert military escalation over Tehran’s nuclear program. “The president wants peace,” he said, hinting at a possible future trip to Tehran.

As the Gaza conflict grinds on, Witkoff’s remarks signal a blend of pragmatism and ambition in Trump’s Middle East policy, navigating a delicate balance between military pressure and dialogue.

Times of Israel contributed to this article.