President Biden has expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to secure a hostage deal with Hamas terrorists, stating that he does not believe Netanyahu is doing enough. Biden made these remarks after a hostage negotiating team briefed him and Vice President Harris on the status of the negotiations.
President Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step up his efforts to secure a hostage deal with Hamas terrorists. Speaking outside the White House before heading into a briefing in the Situation Room, Biden expressed his frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the situation.
"No," Biden responded flatly when asked if he thought Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a hostage deal.
Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal: 'Hope Springs Eternal'
Biden's comments come after the murder of 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas on Saturday. The White House issued a statement condemning the killings and calling for Hamas leaders to be held accountable.
During the briefing, Biden and Harris received an update from the U.S. negotiation team on the status of a bridging proposal outlined by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. They discussed next steps in securing the release of the remaining hostages.
Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal: 'Hope Springs Eternal'
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, CIA Director Bill Burns, and other senior administration officials attended the briefing.
Biden told reporters that he has spoken with the American hostage's family and that the U.S. will continue to push for his release.
Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal: 'Hope Springs Eternal'
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of an Israeli-American hostage still being held by Hamas, urged the U.S. and Israel to broker a deal, even if it means negotiating with a terrorist organization.
Dekel-Chen claimed that Israeli intelligence shows Hamas forces are depleted and that Netanyahu has no excuse for not completing the deal.
Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal: 'Hope Springs Eternal'
Israel has faced widespread demonstrations and a massive labor strike over the failure to reach an agreement on the hostage crisis.
Biden said that "hope springs eternal" and that he believes a final hostage deal is close to being presented. He added that he will continue to work with Netanyahu and other partners to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal: 'Hope Springs Eternal'
