Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 17, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Netanyahu orders negotiations team to stay in Qatar, as talks with Hamas ongoing
Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the negotiating team for a hostage deal with Hamas to remain in Qatar for the time being, an Israeli official says in a statement sent out to reporters.
The premier remained in continuous contact throughout the day with the delegation, with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and with US envoy Steve Witkoff, “in an effort to dissuade Hamas from its refusal and to advance a deal for the release of our hostages,” the official says.
Communication with the negotiating team “is ongoing even at this hour,” the official adds.
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