President Biden engaged in a discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday regarding efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and to ease regional tensions. Vice President Harris also participated in the call, according to the White House.
The White House reported that Biden and Netanyahu addressed U.S. support for Israel’s defense against threats from Iran and its affiliated groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. They also talked about the need to finalize a cease-fire and resolve remaining issues before the upcoming talks in Cairo.
Netanyahu faces pressure from Biden to adjust security arrangements, as the U.S. seeks a truce and increased humanitarian aid
The conversation follows reports of frustration from Netanyahu over the Biden administration’s attempts to finalize the cease-fire. Netanyahu is said to have reconsidered his commitment to reducing Israel’s military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, specifically in the Philadelphi corridor, a crucial area for Hamas’s smuggling operations.
Axios indicated that Biden would press Netanyahu to be more flexible regarding security arrangements in the corridor. Netanyahu had previously assured families of hostages that Israeli forces would remain in key areas such as the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Netanyahu on Monday and reported that Netanyahu had agreed to a U.S.-led plan to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas now needing to accept the proposal.
The cease-fire deal, endorsed by the UN Security Council, would start with a six-week truce, during which hostages would be released and humanitarian aid increased. The U.S. aims to conclude the final negotiations by the week’s end, with Blinken emphasizing the urgency of reaching a resolution soon.
