TEL AVIV, 18 August. "We are in very difficult negotiations in which the other side is a murderous terrorist organization (Hamas) that is unbridled and stubborn," Netanyahu said at a regular cabinet meeting. "Until now, Hamas has been completely intransigent. It did not even send a representative to the [latest round of] Doha talks. Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar, not at the Israeli government."
"Strong military and diplomatic pressure is the way to secure the release of our hostages," he stressed. "We are conducting negotiations, not a give-and-take scenario. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things we cannot be flexible on and we will insist on them. We are very good at distinguishing between the two."
"We stand on the principles we have set out, which are essential for Israel's security. I repeat: these principles are in line with the May 27 framework, which received American support," the Israeli prime minister added.
TASS / gnews.cz-jav_07
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