Netanyahu is in no hurry to do a deal One factor may be the prospect of the collapse of Netanyahu's ruling coalition as right-wingers adamantly opposed to concessions peel away. This would leave the veteran politician potentially facing prison if continuing corruption trials end badly for him
Another may be Israeli public opinion Polls show Netanyahu remains deeply unpopular and a substantial proportion of Israelis favour a deal to bring back the hostages But the ratings of Netanyahu’s Likud party have ticked up again in recent weeks
Hamas new leader Yahya Sinwar does not appear to want a deal either Sinwar's 40-year career within Islamist militancy has been marked by unremitting dedication to the eventual destruction of Israel and much brutal violence
SPOILER
If Israel managed to kill Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the 07 October 2023 attacks, the political and legal prospects of the prime minister would brighten
