Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Cease-Fire Amid Gaza Conflict
US Pushes for a “Bridging Proposal”
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday as the United States continues its efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas. The goal is to reach a “bridging proposal” that could lead to a cease-fire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. However, significant challenges remain, particularly over the presence of Israeli troops in strategic areas of Gaza.
Vice President Harris Joins the Call
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, also joined the conversation. The White House released a statement highlighting that Biden stressed the urgency of finalizing the ceasefire and hostage release deal. High-level talks in Cairo this week, involving mediators from the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, were also discussed as a means to address remaining obstacles.
Hopes for a Deal Fade
Initially optimistic, President Biden had expressed hope for a resolution after speaking with key figures such as Qatar’s emir and Egypt’s president. However, by Tuesday, his tone had shifted, acknowledging that Hamas seemed to be retreating from the agreement. Despite this, Biden assured reporters that the U.S. would continue pushing for a cease-fire deal.
Biden’s Call from California
The president’s call with Netanyahu took place while he was vacationing with his family in Santa Ynez, California, at the estate of Democratic donor Joe Kiani. During the call, Biden and Netanyahu also addressed rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as with militant groups backed by Tehran, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Efforts to Overcome Obstacles
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with officials in Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, setting the stage for new talks in Cairo later this week. Blinken described the moment as possibly the last opportunity to secure a ceasefire, bring hostages home, and establish a path to lasting peace and security.
Hamas’ Reluctance to Agree
Egyptian officials have indicated that Hamas remains hesitant to agree to the bridging proposal. The plan involves Hamas releasing the most vulnerable civilian hostages as a first step, with further phases to be negotiated without guaranteed concessions from Israel. A major sticking point is the ambiguity around Israel’s military withdrawal from two strategic corridors in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Meeting with Right-Wing Groups
Earlier this week, Netanyahu met with right-wing groups representing families of fallen soldiers and hostages in Gaza. These groups, opposed to a cease-fire, claimed that Netanyahu assured them Israel would not abandon the two strategic corridors. However, Netanyahu’s office has not commented on this meeting.
The Uncertain Path Forward
While Blinken has stated that the bridging proposal clearly outlines the schedule and locations for Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, no specific details have been publicly shared. As negotiations continue, the hope for a near-term deal seems increasingly uncertain.