Hebrew media reported on Saturday that thousands of settlers marched towards Jerusalem to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts to block an exchange deal.

 

A senior official had previously revealed that Netanyahu is personally managing the negotiations and has toughened his stance, openly expressing his conditions. Netanyahu is said to be meticulously reviewing every detail of the deal.

 

Hamas leader Izzat Al-Rishq criticized Netanyahu for introducing new demands not previously discussed, accusing him of delaying the process.

 

Officials in Tel Aviv also stated that Netanyahu is hindering the deal. Despite his claims, Tel Aviv had agreed to withdraw all occupation forces from Gaza in the second phase of the deal.

 

Hebrew sources noted that the Mossad chief supports continued military pressure on Gaza but currently views the deal favorably. Haaretz reported that Netanyahu's refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphia axis is obstructing the deal's completion.