For weeks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has denied that he is trying to block a cease-fire deal in Gaza by hardening Israel’s negotiating position.
Mr. Netanyahu has consistently placed all blame for the deadlocked negotiations on Hamas, even as senior members of the Israeli security establishment accused him of slowing the process himself.
But in private, Mr. Netanyahu has, in fact, added new conditions to Israel’s demands, additions that his own negotiators fear have created extra obstacles to a deal.
But the documents reviewed by The Times make clear that the behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the Netanyahu government has been extensive — and suggest that agreement may be elusive at a new round of negotiations set to begin on Thursday.
It also showed less flexibility about allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza once fighting is halted.
Persons:
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Mr, Netanyahu
Organizations:
The New York Times, The Times
Locations:
Gaza, Israel, Rome