Qatar frustrated by slowed pace of hostage talks under Dermer — sources

Qatar is frustrated with the pace of hostage talks under the leadership of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, an official with knowledge of the talks tells The Times of Israel.

Earlier today, a source involved in the negotiations told CNN that there is a “significant difference in momentum” since Dermer replaced Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and Mossad director David Barnea.

“There is a clear shift in [Israel’s] priorities,” the source told CNN. “Negotiations are seemingly being politicized from the Israeli team.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tapped Dermer — one of his closest confidants — to head the team in February after the premier sidelined Barnea and Bar.

In March, members of the negotiating team told Channel 12 that Dermer’s leadership of the efforts was ineffective.

An Israeli official rejected the idea that Dermer was slowing down talks, telling CNN: “To reach a deal, you need someone who actually represents the will of the government who will authorize said deal, not ‘dissent,’ which only served to undermine negotiations.”

However, an Israeli source tells The Times of Israel that Dermer doesn’t believe it will be possible to get all the hostages out and that he expressed this position to the White House during Netanyahu’s visit earlier this week. He is instead trying to set the stage for one more major release of living hostages.

There has been an improvement in discipline from the negotiators since Dermer has taken over from Bar and Barnea, says the Israeli source. Leaks have been dramatically reduced, especially those blaming Netanyahu for getting in the way of progress.