Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge, bypassing the traditional security and diplomatic channels, according to reports. These communications were conducted through Israeli businessman Shlomi Fogel, acting as an intermediary, and occurred without the knowledge of the Israeli security establishment.

Unlike previous engagements—such as those involving Yahya Sinwar, in which third parties like Egypt played a mediating role—Netanyahu’s direct contacts with Hamas were unique in their approach. The discussions were held by phone over several weeks, with Netanyahu setting negotiation parameters, National Security Council chief Yossi Cohen shaping the messages, and Fogel managing the dialogue with senior Hamas figure Ghazi Hamad in Gaza.

While Israel typically relied on established intermediaries such as Egypt or Qatar for ceasefire talks, Netanyahu simultaneously dispatched a security delegation to Egypt to pursue negotiations through these conventional means. The delegation included senior military and intelligence officials: General Yoav “Poli” Mordechai, Nimrod Sheffer, Amos Gilad, and then-Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen. These officials engaged in ceasefire efforts with Hamas and other factions in Gaza via Egyptian intermediaries.

The indirect negotiations through Egypt, however, did not yield a ceasefire breakthrough and eventually stalled. Israeli defense officials were reportedly surprised to learn that Netanyahu had been in direct contact with Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad while the delegation was en route to Cairo.

Government representatives have consistently denied that Netanyahu engaged directly with Hamas, maintaining that all negotiations proceeded through recognized third parties or mediators, predominantly Egypt or Qatar. The revelation of these covert talks highlights a divergence between official policy and behind-the-scenes actions taken during the conflict.