With Trump Presidency Approaching, Israel and Hamas Maneuver Toward Deal

Israel’s prime minister met with the U.S. president-elect’s envoy, then dispatched a high-level team to negotiate as reports circulated that a deal was close.

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip hold photos of their loved ones during a protest calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 8, 2025. AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Israel and the Hamas terrorist group may be closer to a cease-fire and hostage deal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sending a high-level negotiating team to Qatar on Jan. 11.

Netanyahu recently met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s designated Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who spoke of significant progress in the talks. Witkoff said he hoped for an agreement before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.