Netanyahu, Biden to discuss Hamas' latest cease-fire proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak by phone on Thursday with President Joe Biden to discuss the most recent comments by Hamas on a proposed cease-fire and hostage release deal, which Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has described as “closer than ever before.” 

Citing a diplomatic source, Ynet reported that Netanyahu’s office has been trying for weeks to set a date for the two leaders to converse and that Biden has now agreed to talk with the prime minister, hoping to get him to agree to the proposed deal. Netanyahu will also hold consultations with the various security agencies before convening the security cabinet Thursday evening to discuss the proposal. 

According to Channel 12, Gallant met Wednesday with families of the hostages being held in Gaza, and told them, “We are closer to a deal than ever before.” Referring to his trip to Washington last week, Gallant also said at the meeting, “A month ago I was pessimistic about the possibility of reaching a deal soon. One of my main goals in all the meetings I held in the United States was to put pressure on Hamas to reach a deal, stressing to them there won't be any better one.”

CNN quoted an Israeli source familiar with the negotiations who said that the parties “appear to be on the brink of a framework agreement for a cease-fire and hostage release deal.” An unnamed Israeli source cited by Haaretz also expressed optimism after Hamas' response, which was transferred to Israel via Qatar, saying that the document from the Palestinian group was “positive” and could serve as a basis for a potential deal.