On Wednesday, Biden had a crucial conversation with Netanyahu amid important discussions regarding Gaza.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the ceasefire and hostage release deal, as well as efforts to ease regional tensions. Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in the call, which was crucial for the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously stated that this might be the last chance for a deal.
Biden made the call from Santa Ynez, California, where he is vacationing. A key issue in the negotiations is the future of the Philadelphi corridor in southern Gaza. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Israel might agree to withdraw from this 8.7-mile strip along the Gaza-Egypt border as part of the deal. However, the Prime Minister’s office quickly denied any plans to leave the area, stating that Israel aims to ensure Gaza does not pose a security threat in the future.
Blinken had previously mentioned that Netanyahu had agreed to a “bridging proposal,” including troop withdrawals, but this has been contradicted by the Israeli side. Blinken, speaking from Qatar, emphasized that the latest proposal requires Hamas’s agreement as well.
CIA Director Bill Burns and other senior negotiators are expected to return to Cairo for more high-level discussions this weekend. Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has arrived in the Middle East, strengthening U.S. forces amid concerns of a potential Iranian response to recent events.
Iran has indicated that its response will be carefully timed to maximize surprise while avoiding disruption of the ceasefire talks. The USS Abraham Lincoln will replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which will soon return to the U.S. The U.S. also has the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, several destroyers, and the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, in the region.
