President Joe Biden engaged in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, as their relationship faced strain and criticism emerged on a major US cable news network. The criticism was directed at the prime minister by a relative of an American citizen who is currently being held by Hamas.
During their call, the White House reported that the two individuals discussed ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages, as well as the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. This conversation took place shortly after the US president attended the White House Correspondent’s Association dinner, which was met with protests highlighting concerns over US support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza.
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The recent conversation between Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu marked their first interaction since Hamas militants released a video on Saturday, showcasing the hostage-taking of a US citizen during the October 7 attack. This violent incident resulted in the loss of 1,139 lives and the capture of numerous individuals, including Americans, by the militant group. Presently, it is estimated that over 100 people remain in captivity by Hamas in Gaza.
According to the White House, the President mentioned his statement along with 17 other world leaders, calling for Hamas to promptly release their citizens in order to establish a ceasefire and provide relief for the people of Gaza. The description of the call also stated that the two leaders discussed plans for additional humanitarian aid crossings.
In his most recent discussion with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Biden is facing growing opposition to the United States’ involvement in the conflict. This opposition is manifesting as a significant protest movement across the country, possibly fueled by the violent suppression of demonstrators at Columbia University and other educational institutions like Emory University in Georgia.
Protesters were present both inside and outside the building during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington DC on Saturday. However, the main event itself proceeded without any disruptions. Outside, attendees faced a barrage of condemnations from demonstrators, who highlighted a call by Palestinian journalists to boycott the event.
On Sunday, Keith Siegel’s niece, who appeared in a video released by Hamas a day prior, expressed her reaction to the news on CBS’s Face the Nation. She accused Mr. Netanyahu of having a political motive for not pursuing a deal with the militant group’s leadership in order to secure the release of the hostages.
Hanna Siegel expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal, citing a previous hostage agreement that led to a temporary ceasefire last fall.
According to the concerned family member, one of the major concerns is that Prime Minister Netanyahu may not have the political motivation to reach a deal. She believes that the two videos released by Hamas are a clear indication that they are willing to negotiate and also serve as a reminder that American citizens, including Keith, are still being held captive.
According to Mr. Biden and US officials, the key to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza is the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas. They maintain that this is the only viable approach to resolving the conflict.
Last week, the president enacted a national security supplemental package that grants $26.38bn in military aid to Israel. Although the House of Representatives’ progressives expressed opposition to the legislation, it ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support.
The pressure on Mr. Biden’s relationship with the Israeli prime minister is further intensified by critics within his own party’s establishment. These individuals, who go beyond the usual detractors of the Israeli government on the left, have been vocal in their opposition to Mr. Netanyahu. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a close ally of Mr. Biden in the upper chamber, recently delivered a floor speech urging Israel to hold immediate elections, ostensibly to replace the prime minister. Additionally, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directly called on Mr. Netanyahu to resign.
