Biden Pushes for Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire in Call with Netanyahu

President Joe Biden has been in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the United States urges both Israel and Hamas to accept a “bridging proposal” that could pave the way for a cease-fire in Gaza. However, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the presence of Israeli troops in two critical corridors in Gaza, which has tempered Biden’s initial optimism about reaching a deal soon. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, also participated in the conversation.

The White House released a statement noting that Biden emphasized the importance of finalizing the ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The two leaders also discussed how upcoming high-level talks in Cairo between the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar could address the remaining issues blocking an agreement.

Despite Biden’s earlier optimism after speaking with Qatar’s emir and Egypt’s president—key mediators with Hamas—by Tuesday, his tone had shifted. He expressed concerns that Hamas seemed to be stepping back from the negotiations, though he reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to pushing for a ceasefire deal.

Biden’s conversation with Netanyahu took place while the president was on vacation in Santa Ynez, California, at the estate of Democratic donor Joe Kiani. During their call, Biden and Netanyahu also discussed rising tensions between Israel and Iran, along with issues involving Tehran-backed militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

This call followed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meetings with officials in Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, ahead of further discussions in Cairo. Blinken described the moment as critical, possibly the best and last chance to secure a ceasefire, return hostages, and move toward lasting peace and security.

Egyptian officials, speaking anonymously, expressed doubts that Hamas would accept the bridging proposal, partly due to concerns over whether the deal would truly result in the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an end to the conflict. The proposal’s first phase would involve Hamas releasing the most vulnerable civilian hostages taken in the October 7 attack on Israel, with subsequent phases to be negotiated without guarantees to Hamas.

A key sticking point is the lack of clarity in the proposal regarding Israel’s withdrawal from two strategic corridors in Gaza—the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim east-west corridor. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi corridor. Netanyahu reportedly reassured right-wing groups opposed to a ceasefire that Israel would not relinquish control of these critical areas.

After his meetings in Egypt and Qatar, Blinken stated that the proposal clearly outlines the timeline and locations for Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, though specific details have not been publicly disclosed.