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The Times of Israel

The Times of Israel

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World

Hostage negotiating team said displeased by conduct of new leader tapped by Netanyahu

The Times of Israel
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Members of Israel 's negotiating team are reportedly displeased with the conduct of their new leader, Ron Dermer .

Dermer is seen as more aligned with Netanyahu ’s approach in the talks than that of the security chiefs.

Netanyahu and Dermer have taken a harder line — which US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff appeared to characterize as one that prioritizes exerting military pressure on Hamas .

Eight hostages have been rescued from captivity by troops alive, and the bodies of 41 have also been recovered.

In exchange, Israel has freed some 2,000 jailed Palestinian terrorists, security prisoners, and Gazan terror suspects detained during the war.

The body of another soldier killed in 2014 , Lt. Hadar Goldin , is still being held by Hamas and is counted among the 59 hostages.