A prominent analyst on Israeli affairs has described the recent, simultaneous withdrawal of American and Israeli negotiating teams from the Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha as a “coordinated political manoeuvre” intended to reshape the negotiation dynamics.
According to Suleiman Basharat, this move—led by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Weitekamp shortly after a similar decision by the Israeli delegation—was jointly planned by Washington and Tel Aviv. The decision came on the heels of a meeting between Weitekamp and Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, revealing a deeper alignment between the two allies.
Coordinated Objectives: Pressure and Posturing
1. Attempting to Corner Hamas
Basharat explained that the withdrawal is a tactical manoeuvre aimed at blackmailing the Palestinian resistance, particularly Hamas, which has demonstrated an unyielding and strategic approach to negotiations. Despite relentless Israeli assaults—massacres, starvation tactics, and civilian targeting—the resistance has not buckled under pressure nor accepted Israeli-American terms unconditionally.
This steadfastness led Tel Aviv and Washington to pull their delegations as a pressure tactic, hoping to:
- Trigger public frustration among Palestinians.
- Blame the resistance for stalling talks.
- Create internal tension that might force Hamas to make further concessions.
Basharat warned that in the coming days, this political step will likely be accompanied by intensified military aggression and increased starvation tactics inside Gaza, intended to exhaust and isolate the resistance.
2. Salvaging the ‘Image of Victory’
Another major motive, Basharat argues, is image management. The U.S. and Israel are aware that without unconditional Hamas acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, the outcome will appear as a strategic failure for Israel—especially after nearly two years of war.
Unlike previous negotiations with Hezbollah or Iran, which were falsely marketed by Israel as clear victories regardless of substance, the current standoff in Gaza presents no such illusion. Hamas continues to demand:
- A full ceasefire.
- An Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
- The end of the U.S.-Israeli humanitarian aid mechanism, in favour of restoring UN agencies.
- The full reopening of Rafah Crossing for both humanitarian and civilian movement.
- A comprehensive prisoner exchange.
This firm stance keeps Israel locked in the initial phase of the war, unable to declare victory or claim success in dismantling the resistance.
3. Using Mediators as Leverage
The withdrawal is also designed to empower mediators—such as Qatar, Egypt, and others—with new tools to pressure Hamas. The expectation is that the resistance may yield under diplomatic pressure, especially if public opinion is manipulated against them.
However, Basharat highlights a domestic backlash within Israel: the families of Israeli captives, along with growing segments of the Israeli public and military institutions, have started criticising the government’s intransigence. Many are now demanding a comprehensive deal, even at the cost of ending the war.
Hamas: Committed to Dialogue and Palestinian Rights
Hamas responded with surprise and disappointment at Steve Weitekamp’s statements, noting that international mediators had commended the movement’s constructive attitude.
In a formal statement, Hamas asserted that:
- It has engaged in the negotiation track with national responsibility and strategic flexibility.
- It has continuously worked to reach an agreement that ends the aggression and relieves the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
- Its latest response came after extensive consultations with other resistance factions, friendly nations, and mediators.
- It has positively addressed all feedback in good faith to ensure the success of mediation efforts.
The movement affirmed its readiness to move forward with a full and permanent ceasefire agreement, one that removes obstacles and ensures justice and security for Palestinians.
U.S.-Israeli Escalation vs. Resistance Patience
In contrast, Weitekamp told the press that the U.S. was recalling its negotiating team for “consultations” after what he called Hamas’s “selfish behaviour.” He claimed that Washington would now explore alternative methods to retrieve Israeli captives and “stabilise Gaza.”
Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the Israeli delegation was also recalled following Hamas’s latest proposal, though Israeli media insisted that “talks have not collapsed” and that momentum remains “positive.”
A source involved in the talks told Israeli Broadcasting Authority:
“This is a coordinated step between all parties. Decisive decisions must be made, and further consultations are needed.”
