Deadlock in the Middle East - The American Spectator | USA News and PoliticsThe American Spectator | USA News and Politics

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the secret talks with Hamas leaders were a " one -off" situation and “hasn’t borne fruit” The secret Doha talks broke a decades -long precedent of not negotiating with terrorist organizations.

Israeli media Ynet reported on March 5 that Jerusalem was “shocked” and not happy” upon finding out that officials were meeting directly with Hamas .

The news leaked the same day President Trump invited to the White House eight of the 33 Israeli hostages who were released last month .

Netanyahu 's objective all along has been to completely dismantle Hamas ’s political and military position alongside rescuing hostages.

This controversial priority has set the prime minister against many officials in Jerusalem and large segments of the public.

Netanyahu proposed an “extension” of the first phase that keeps Israeli boots on the ground and continues the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.