President Joe Biden on Monday expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to broker a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. The criticism followed a weekend marked by the discovery of the bodies of six hostages in a Gaza tunnel. There was a 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Goldberg-Polin’s parents had earlier made a piercing plea for their son’s return at the Democratic National Convention. They received a standing ovation from attendees.
Biden ‘s Upcoming Negotiating Offer
Biden has indicated that he is “very close” to presenting a final, decisive hostage deal this week. He may offer Israel and Hamas a “take it or leave it” approach to try to broker a cease-fire, according to people familiar with the talks. The approach follows discussions in which White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan suggested it could be a viable option.
The discovery of the executed hostages sparked mass protests in Israel, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating against Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage situation. The protests escalated into a nationwide strike that threatens to cripple the Israeli economy. When asked about Netanyahu’s efforts, Biden responded bluntly, “No,” making it clear he does not believe Netanyahu has done enough.
Biden Administration Actions and Responses
The Biden administration has repeatedly pointed to Hamas as the main obstacle to a deal. However, recent statements from US and foreign officials suggest that the conditions imposed by Netanyahu could also complicate the negotiations.
Netanyahu and the Israeli Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Biden’s criticism.
On Monday morning, Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, met with the US hostage negotiating team in the White House Situation Room. CIA Director William Burns, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk were present. All have been actively involved in the ongoing negotiations and may return to the region for further talks.
Future Talks and Diplomatic Efforts
Biden expressed “devastation and outrage” over the hostage killings, according to a White House statement. He reiterated his commitment to holding Hamas leaders accountable. The meeting also discussed next steps in negotiations to free the remaining Israeli hostages. Consultations were also held with co-mediators Qatar and Egypt.
The U.S. had been working on a “bridge proposal” aimed at buying time to resolve outstanding issues before the bodies of the six hostages were found. Goldberg-Polin had been expected to be released in the initial phase of that proposal. It remains unclear how his death might affect the terms of any updated offer.
Sullivan spent Monday morning engaging in diplomatic discussions with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani. Those conversations are expected to continue throughout the week as efforts to advance the talks continue.
From the South Lawn of the White House, Biden signaled his closeness to a deal but acknowledged the uncertainty inherent in the ongoing conflict.
“Hope springs eternal,” he said, adding that he had been in touch with the families of the hostages. “I’ve spoken to his mom and dad, and we’re not giving up. We will continue to push as hard as we can,” he assured.