Revised Israeli pull-back map brings progress in Gaza ceasefire talks, Arab diplomat confirms

In a report confirmed to The Times of Israel by an Arab diplomat, Channel 12 says Israel’s submission of new maps to the Doha mediators — showing a broader, partial withdrawal of IDF troops during the proposed 60-day truce — has moved the Israel-Hamas hostage-release and ceasefire negotiations forward.

Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting yesterday with US President Donald Trump, and as Washington reportedly pressures Israel to scale back its military presence in the Strip, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with a senior Qatari official on the matter. Channel 12 now reveals that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was also present at the meeting.

Sources directly familiar with the talks say the meeting focused on the scope of IDF deployment during the ceasefire, and saw some tense exchanges. Witkoff and the Qatari representative told Dermer that Israel’s initial troop-deployment map was unacceptable and would doom the agreement. Qatar added that Hamas would reject any deal featuring the limited withdrawal and asked that Doha not be blamed if negotiations collapse over the issue.

Witkoff further warned that any map “resembling the [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich plan” — leaving extensive, continuous Israeli control of Gaza — was a “No Go” for the Trump administration. Dermer responded that Netanyahu is under heavy coalition pressure and would need full cabinet approval for major concessions.

After the meeting, Israel submitted a revised map featuring a larger pull-back. According to sources, the new proposal has led to progress in the talks, though notable gaps still remain.