Smotrich to Bohler: Do Not Negotiate with Hamas on Our Behalf
Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Clarifies Israel's Stance on U.S. Diplomatic Efforts and Accuses Adam Bohler of Overstepping.
Watan-Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated on Monday that Israel had informed U.S. presidential envoy for hostages Adam Bohler that it would not negotiate with Hamas on its behalf.
In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, Smotrich said, “Bohler tried to negotiate the release of American prisoners. We made it clear to him that he cannot speak on our behalf, and if he wants to negotiate on behalf of the United States, then good luck to him.”
The Israeli minister did not specify how this message was conveyed to Bohler, who had confirmed in interviews with both Israeli and U.S. media that he was in direct communication with Hamas regarding the return of all hostages, including U.S. citizens.
Smotrich’s Remarks Amid Tensions Over Hostage Negotiations
Smotrich’s comments come amid rising tensions between Tel Aviv and Washington over handling the issue of hostages in Gaza.
Bohler admitted on Sunday that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was upset about his discussions with Hamas, but Bohler maintained that he was not “upset,” adding, “We are the United States, we are not agents for Israel, and we have specific interests in this matter.”
Bohler’s remarks sparked widespread controversy in Israel after he described the Hamas leaders he met with as “very nice men,” before later retracting this description in Israeli television interviews.
Tel Aviv estimates that there are 59 Israeli hostages in Gaza, 24 of whom are still alive. Meanwhile, Israel holds over 9,500 Palestinians in its prisons, many of whom suffer from torture, mistreatment, and lack of medical care, leading to the deaths of several, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.
Smotrich Accused of Hindering Hostage Exchange, as Netanyahu Stalls Second Phase of Agreement
The families of Israeli hostages accuse Smotrich of attempting to sabotage any prisoner exchange agreement by pushing for the resumption of the war on Gaza, aiming to displace Palestinians and re-establish Israeli settlements.
The first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, which began on January 19, 2025, under Qatari and Egyptian mediation with U.S. support, ended on March 1, 2025.
Although Hamas has adhered to the agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backtracked on initiating the second phase, as he seeks the release of more Israeli prisoners without fulfilling his commitments, including ending the war and fully withdrawing from Gaza.
