Ex-Israeli military intel chief: Hamas split, Netanyahu govt derail Gaza deal

Rina Bassist

Feb 28, 2024

Then head of Israeli Military Intelligence Tamir Hyman speaks at the Institute for National Security Studies think tank in Tel Aviv, Jan. 28, 2020. — Then-head of Israeli Military Intelligence Tamir Hyman speaks at the Institute for National Security Studies think tank in Tel Aviv, Jan. 28, 2020. — Israel Defense Forces

A deal for the release of hostages and a prolonged cease-fire in the Gaza Strip could facilitate advancing an agreement with Hezbollah, former IDF military intelligence chief Tamir Hayman said.

A deal outline was negotiated in Paris last Friday, calling for the release of 35-40 hostages, a halt in fighting for a period of six weeks and the release of some 400 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

While US President Joe Biden said on Monday that he hopes to have a hostage deal in place by March 4, the hurdles for such a deal to materialize are significant on several levels, Hayman, who is managing director of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), told Al-Monitor.

Hayman said that while Washington is seeking to help Israel reach a deal, it is also looking to capitalize on opportunities that would come about with a pause in fighting.