Arab official denies progress in hostage talks, says Netanyahu’s public optimism aimed at keeping coalition afloat

An Arab official familiar with the hostage negotiations says there hasn’t been a major development in efforts to secure a deal, and speculates that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expressing public optimism to “spook” ultra-Orthodox lawmakers against voting tomorrow to dissolve the coalition.

“The disagreements over whether the deal can lead to a permanent ceasefire remain,” the Arab official tells The Times of Israel, noting that Netanyahu is not prepared to end the war while Hamas won’t agree to release hostages unless it has assurances from mediators that the temporary truce on the table will lead to a permanent one.

“The public statements seem to have more to do with internal politics,” the Arab official says.

“Could a breakthrough be achieved soon? Yes. But this will require one of the sides moving from their long-held position, which hasn’t yet happened,” the official adds.