The Last Chance: Netanyahu's Unusual Request from Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to ask former U.S. President Donald Trump, during his visit to Washington, to apply direct pressure on Qatar. The goal: that Qatar threaten Hamas leaders with expulsion if a hostage deal is not finalized soon and Hamas positions do not become more flexible. This is reported by Yaron Abraham, Channel 12 News journalist.

In discussions held in recent days, the issue of the "preferential treatment" enjoyed by Hamas leaders living outside the Gaza Strip has come up again. Senior figures in Israel's political-security leadership believe that the only way to lead Hamas to real flexibility is through pressure and sanctions on them, specifically on one of Hamas's external leaders.

"Hamas leaders are moving around the world and feel there is no pressure on them, so they are not rushing to make a deal," said those same security sources.

The issue is particularly complex because Hamas leaders are hosted in countries like Qatar, which serves as the main mediator in the hostage deal, and Turkey, whose relations with Israel are sensitive and fragile. Despite this, the political and security leadership believes there is a necessity to impose sanctions on Hamas leaders in these countries in order to create flexibility on the organization's part toward a deal.