ISRAEL: Axios-Relations Strained w/US Over Direct Hamas Communication

Axios reports that relations between the Netanyahu gov't and the Trump administration have been severely strained by the news that US officials have engaged in direct conversations with Hamas regarding the potential release of US hostages held in Gaza. The article claims that Israel's disapproval of the US-Hamas talks "erupted in a contentious call Tuesday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-hand man [Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer] and the U.S. official leading the talks [US hostage envoy Adam Boehler]," according to its sources. The Times of Israel reported on 6 March that the PM's office was also unaware of talks involving the US, Hamas, Egypt and Qatar regarding the phase two ceasefire agreement in Gaza. 

• The report claims that the Biden administration was lobbied by hostage families to seek a separate release deal, but this was not pursued as the Biden White House did not expect such talks to result in progress, and did not want to be seen 'legitimising' Hamas.
• US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to the region early next week, with the 'top priority' of securing the release of 21-year-old US hostage Edan Alexander and the bodies of four deceased US hostages.
• On 5 March, President Donald Trump issued a fiery message on Truth Social, calling for Hamas to "RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!".