Biden's Call to Netanyahu

Today in Moscow, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone conversation to reach an agreement with Hamas regarding the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu took place following the Israeli cabinet's approval of a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and was focused on the deal with Hamas and the release of hostages.

“Now we have an opportunity. Let’s free the hostages,” Biden was quoted as saying by sources from the Axios portal. According to them, the Israeli Prime Minister responded positively, stating that he wants to try to free the hostages.

As reported by a senior Israeli minister to the portal, Netanyahu is interested in achieving the release of the hostages but in a way that does not force him to agree to a cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. “First, the war in Lebanon needs to end. Now Hamas is in a weaker position, as Hezbollah has exited the war,” the minister said.

Previously, Israeli and U.S. officials suggested that the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon would increase the chances of striking a deal with Hamas. It is recalled that Israeli soldiers and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah agreed on a ceasefire, and hostilities ceased on November 27. Subsequently, Hamas issued a statement indicating that it is ready for a Gaza agreement, but it must include a cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.