US officials said to call Gallant, Dermer, Deri to stress Gaza deal vital to avert escalation with Iran, Hezbollah

Ahead of tomorrow’s hostages-ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Biden administration officials have reportedly been on the phone with three Israeli political leaders — Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Shas leader Aryeh Deri — to stress the importance of finalizing a deal.

Channel 12 news, citing unnamed sources, says the calls to the three, all former members or observers in the now-defunct war cabinet, were made earlier today, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of meetings to prepare for the Doha talks.

The US officials highlighted the linkage between a deal and the capacity to avert escalation with Iran and Hezbollah, the TV report says.

In recent days, the report adds, the mediators have made efforts “to minimize the differences” between the sides, and today reached solutions to some of Netanyahu’s recent demands. Where no agreed solutions prove possible, it adds, the US and other mediators will offer their own bridging proposals — notably on the issue of northern Gaza, where the prime minister is demanding a mechanism to prevent the return of armed Hamas operatives.

The report says Israel’s negotiating team considers that Netanyahu has “slightly widened” their leeway in the talks.

The report says Israel and the mediators are unfazed that Hamas is saying it won’t be at the summit, and regards this stance as a tactic. Hamas representatives are in Doha in any case, and any finalized proposal will be conveyed to them.

It says the Doha talks are expected to last two days.