Netanyahu and Biden discussed hostage deal: immediate urgency for ceasefire

January 12, 2025   

The Prime Minister's Office is updating this evening (Sunday) that "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now spoken with US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister discussed with the American President the progress in negotiations for the release of our hostages, and updated him on the mandate he gave to the negotiating delegation to Doha, in order to promote the release of our hostages." "The Prime Minister wished to thank US President Biden and incoming President Donald Trump for their cooperation in the holy mission." According to the White House statement, Biden and Netanyahu discussed a deal based on the May 27 outline, which was adopted by the UN Security Council. "The President discussed the regional circumstances that have changed substantially following the ceasefire agreement signed in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Iran's power in the Middle East," it said. "Biden emphasized the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages, along with increased humanitarian assistance that would allow the cessation of fighting, as part of a deal. The Prime Minister thanked the President for his long-standing support for Israel and for Washington's extraordinary support for Israel's security and defense." Biden is trying to close a deal over the next eight days, before he leaves the White House and President Donald Trump, who has promised "hell" to Hamas and its supporters if they do not release the hostages by his inauguration, will be sworn in again as US President.