2024-05-09 17:13:59
‘Middle East Tour’ CIA Director Meets with Netanyahu in Israel
Ceasefire negotiations discussed… Hamas insists on accepting ‘permanent ceasefire’
Biden: Israel will stop providing weapons if it enters Rafah
As the United States withholds support for offensive weapons and pressures Israel to abandon the Rafah operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 8th (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu met with CIA Director William Burns in Israel this afternoon.
It is understood that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Director Burns discussed the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas that are underway in Cairo, Egypt. Director Burns is touring the Middle East to release hostages and conclude ceasefire negotiations.
The Israeli delegation arrived in Egypt the day before to resume negotiations with Hamas.
The key issue in the negotiations, on which the two sides’ positions are sharply divided, is the interpretation of the phrase ‘sustainable tranquility’ that appears in each ceasefire plan approved by Hamas and Israel.
In the proposal accepted by Hamas, this phrase is clearly defined as a permanent end to the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently opposed any agreement that explicitly calls for a permanent ceasefire, saying he will not stop fighting in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed and hostages are released.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said the day before that Hamas’ ceasefire plan was “very far from Israel’s core demands” and that “military pressure on Hamas is a necessary condition to secure the release of hostages.”
As pressure for a ceasefire continued from the United States and other allies, a delegation consisting of mid-level officials was dispatched to the negotiation room, but he clearly stated, “We are continuing to wage war with Hamas.”
Arbitrating countries are hopeful that differences in positions can be narrowed. John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, said the day before, “Negotiations are at a sensitive stage, and there should be no reason why the remaining gaps cannot be overcome.”
The Israeli army entered Rafah on the night of the 6th and took control of the Palestinian territory at the Rafah intersection and eastern Rafah. It is reported that they are currently located at a major base heading towards downtown Rafa and are waiting for the ‘final advance’.
Israel’s advance on Rafah is analyzed as a card to put pressure on Hamas in negotiations. The Israeli military believes that Hamas leaders are hiding in Rafah, the last city in Gaza.
However, as the United States, Israel’s largest supporter, opposes an all-out attack on Rafah out of concern for civilian casualties, it is unclear whether Israel will actually launch an attack.
Last week, the United States put a hold on shipments of ammunition that were scheduled to be sent to Israel. In an interview with CNN released on the 8th, President Biden expressed concern about the possibility of ammunition being misused to kill civilians, and strongly pressed that he would stop supporting offensive weapons if the Israeli military enters Rafah.
Hamas plans to remain unchanged from its existing position. Hamas politburo member Izzat Alishik said in a statement that the group was standing firm on the negotiation offer and was maintaining the offer it had previously accepted.
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2024-05-09 17:13:59