From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Biden says he’ll speak to Netanyahu ‘eventually,’ after criticizing his approach to hostage deal efforts
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Asked by reporters when he’ll speak to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next, US President Joe Biden responds, “eventually.”
Hours earlier, Biden told reporters that Netanyahu wasn’t doing enough to secure a hostage deal.
Netanyahu responded by declaring that he couldn’t believe Biden would say such a thing after Hamas had killed six hostages last week, including an American and that international pressure should be directed at the terror group.
But Israel’s security establishment has grown exasperated over Netanyahu’s handling of the hostage negotiations, asserting that his raising of new demands regarding the withdrawal of IDF troops from Gaza has risked the lives of the hostages.
Netanyahu has rejected the criticism, saying only a firm negotiating stance and more military pressure will secure the hostages’ release.
The Times of Israel Community.