Report: Netanyahu may tap Minister Dermer to head negotiating team instead of Mossad chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering appointing Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer head of Israel’s negotiating team for hostage talks with Hamas, according to Channel 12 news. He would take over the role from Mossad chief David Barnea.

According to the report, Barnea would remain on the team alongside Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and IDF hostage point man Nitzan Alon, with Dermer overseeing the talks.

Israeli officials tell the outlet that Netanyahu recognizes that the negotiators want do everything possible to ensure that the second stage of the hostage deal with Hamas takes place, and the premier wants to keep his options open.

According to Channel 12, officials on Netanyahu’s team say that since the main discussions are now taking place with the Trump administration, they should be led by someone with a diplomatic viewpoint, not a security one.

The report claims that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed to Netanyahu that he would prefer to work with Dermer, and that he has reservations about working with the current negotiating team.

Witkoff and Netanyahu spoke today, says Channel 12, adding that the prime minister will hold a meeting later tonight to decide whether to send a mid-level delegation to Qatar this week.

In response, Netanyahu’s office says that “the reports are not true.”

“The decisions on the negotiations will be made only after the prime minister returns from the US.”