Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with US President Biden to discuss progress on a Gaza ceasefire-hostage agreement.
Netanyahu updated Biden on directives given to Israel’s negotiation team currently holding talks in Doha.
The Israeli leader expressed gratitude for Biden’s cooperation in advancing the release of hostages.
Netanyahu also mentioned incoming US President Donald Trump’s support for the ongoing negotiation efforts.
Biden Pushes for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
The White House confirmed Biden called for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Biden reiterated the urgency of releasing hostages while building on his May 2024 peace proposal.
Discussions highlighted regional shifts, including Lebanon’s ceasefire and Syria’s regime change.
Biden noted Iran’s diminished influence as part of the evolving Middle Eastern dynamics.
Israeli Ministers Oppose Ceasefire Proposal
Netanyahu summoned Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir to discuss their opposition to Biden’s ceasefire and hostage-release plan.
Both far-right ministers favor continued military operations until Hamas is completely defeated.
They previously threatened to collapse Netanyahu’s coalition if the peace deal proposal was accepted.
Their resistance complicates internal support for advancing the potential agreement.
Optimism at Ongoing Negotiations
Israeli negotiators have expressed cautious optimism over the talks currently underway in Doha.
The high-level delegation includes Mossad chief David Barnea and other senior officials.
Discussions aim to finalize terms for a ceasefire paired with the release of Israeli hostages.
This marked the first direct conversation between Netanyahu and Biden since October 2024.
