Netanyahu to discuss sending delegation to Qatar for hostage negotiations with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a meeting to discuss sending a delegation to Qatar for continued negotiations with Hamas regarding a hostage exchange, according to Israeli media reports.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu is considering replacing Mossad Director David Barnea as the head of the negotiation team with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The final decision on the delegation’s composition and timing is expected to be made in the upcoming discussions.

Potential delegation departure to Doha

The meeting will also address whether the new negotiation team should depart for Doha on Feb. 3 morning, the report noted. The decision comes as Israel and Hamas continue to engage in mediated talks to secure further exchanges of hostages.

Ongoing hostage and cease-fire agreement

The current hostage exchange agreement and cease-fire between Israel and Hamas went into effect on Jan. 19 at 12:15 p.m. local time. In the initial four rounds of exchanges:

• 583 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli custody.
• 13 Israeli and five Thai hostages were freed from Gaza.

Under the three-phase deal, the first stage spans 42 days, during which over 1,900 Palestinian detainees and 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be exchanged.

Israel’s upcoming talks in Washington

Israel has confirmed that the second phase of negotiations will begin on February 3 in Washington, D.C. Netanyahu reportedly spoke with U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, on Feb. 1 evening to finalize plans for these discussions.

An official Israeli statement indicated that Witkoff is also scheduled to meet with mediators, including Qatari Prime Minister and Egyptian officials, later in the week. His findings will then be presented to Netanyahu for further action.

Debate over the next phase in ceasefire

Israeli officials remain divided on whether to extend Phase 1 of the agreement or proceed to Phase 2, which presents conflicting demands:

• Hamas demands a full Israeli military withdrawal.
• Israel, on the other hand, insists on Hamas’ complete dismantling.

Israeli intelligence assessments reportedly suggest Hamas might prolong the current arrangement, continuing a gradual release of hostages while receiving aid shipments and additional prisoner releases in return.

However, Israeli officials also reportedly acknowledge that Hamas is ‘unlikely’ to release all hostages unless its demands—ending the war and ensuring Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—are met.

Netanyahu’s leadership reshuffle

Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate Netanyahu believes that shifting leadership to Dermer could keep all options open for Israel. While Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and former General Nitzan Alon are still involved, Dermer would take a more prominent role, working closely with Netanyahu.

Some officials warn that the move could complicate negotiations and jeopardize the ongoing hostage deal, as it signals a shift from a security-focused approach to a more political-diplomatic stance. Netanyahu’s inner circle argues that Dermer’s strong ties with the U.S. administration, particularly the Republican Party, make him a strategic choice for handling negotiations in Washington and Doha.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office dismissed reports of an imminent delegation departure, stating: “The reports are inaccurate. All decisions regarding negotiations will be made after the Prime Minister returns from the United States.”