Israel’s political leaders steering ceasefire talks frustrate mediators

When discussions began over releasing Israeli hostages shortly after the October 7 attack by Hamas, the negotiators tasked to strike a deal were mostly intelligence and security professionals. But in February, Israel made an important change that those now involved say has had a profound slowing effect on the discussions to resurrect the broken ceasefire: the file was taken over by the prime minister’s closest political aide, Ron Dermer.

​ When discussions began over releasing Israeli hostages shortly after the October 7 attack by Hamas, the negotiators tasked to strike a deal were mostly intelligence and security professionals. But in February, Israel made an important change that those now involved say has had a profound slowing effect on the discussions to resurrect the broken ceasefire: the file was taken over by the prime minister’s closest political aide, Ron Dermer. Read More Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN