Israel not in sync with US on Hamas, Gaza, must avoid becoming 'client state,' ex-consul warns

Israel is not fully synchronized with the United States on matters concerning Hamas and the Gaza Strip, according to Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli consul in Los Angeles. He voiced these concerns on Monday while discussing a recent meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a delegation including Jared Kushner and Tony Blair.

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We are not completely in sync with the Americans, and that needs to be said.

Dayan expressed frustration over US engagement with Hamas, describing the group as "murderous people." He noted that while such engagement is the Americans' standard practice, it is particularly "infuriating" given the context. He suggested that the US tendency to meet with all parties across the political spectrum, a practice amplified during the Trump administration, has angered Netanyahu.

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I saw that the prime minister reprimanded Kushner over his meeting yesterday with Hamas leaders. It is really infuriating to see the Americans meeting with them, even though that is their practice and that is how they operate, but still, they are sitting with these murderous people and discussing things with them.

The US is reportedly seeking a formula for simultaneous steps, where Hamas would begin disarming as Israel conducts limited withdrawals. However, this proposal has generated suspicion within Israel. Dayan emphasized Israel's desire for complete disarmament, stating, "We want Hamas to completely disarm, and not leave the weapons in some warehouse under Palestinian guard." He asserted that Israel would not accept Hamas dictating terms for an Israeli withdrawal or an end to hostilities.

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during Donald Trump's time, every taboo has been broken

Dayan also commented on Netanyahu's stance, noting the prime minister's rejection of the US plan. He highlighted the specific wording of a statement following the Kushner-Netanyahu meeting, which indicated that the Americans would be responsible for the entire process. This, he suggested, was a significant detail, differentiating it from a joint statement.

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The Americans are trying to find some kind of formula in which steps will be taken simultaneously.