PM says Israel is showing flexibility in hostage talks but Hamas demands would harm country’s security

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Netanyahu says that Israel is showing flexibility in the talks, while Hamas is hardening its position. For example, Hamas, says the prime minister, is demanding the unchecked return of Gazans to the northern Strip, “including Hamas terrorists.”

He says that Hamas’s demands would have security implications, but that he cannot go into them publicly.

“If we give in to another demand every two days, this will bring about a deal?” Netanyahu asks rhetorically. “This is the opposite of the truth.”

He says this approach would only make it harder to get the hostages home.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.