In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a close political ally, Ron Dermer, to lead talks over phase two of the current ceasefire in Gaza. Dermer will replace Israel's previous chief negotiator, David Barnea, who led talks resulting in the current deal. The negotiations on phase two, which involve the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of hostages, were supposed to start over two weeks ago.
Netanyahu's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has threatened to withdraw from the government coalition if Israel does not return to war in Gaza when the current ceasefire expires on March 1. The reshuffle in Israel's negotiating team comes as Hamas announced the release of hostages, including the bodies of four individuals and the upcoming release of six living hostages.
