Biden: Hostage deal will allow for calm on Lebanon border, Saudi normalization, Palestinian self-determination

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in the Middle East, in the State Dining Room of the White House on May 31, 2024 (Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
US President Joe Biden speaks about the situation in the Middle East, in the State Dining Room of the White House on May 31, 2024 (Brendan Smialowski / AFP)

US President Joe Biden explains that the hostage deal on the table is part of a comprehensive approach that will ensure Israel’s long-term security.

“Once a ceasefire and hostage deal is concluded, it unlocks the possibility of a great deal of more progress, including calm along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. The United States will help forge a diplomatic resolution — one that ensures Israel’s security and allows people to safely return to their homes without fear of being attacked.”

“With the deal, the rebuilding of Gaza will begin. Arab nations and the international community along with Palestinian and Israeli leaders [will work together] to get it done in a manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm.”

“The United States will work with our partners to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals in Gaza, to help repair communities that were destroyed in the chaos of war.”

“With this deal, Israel could become more deeply integrated in the region,” Biden says, highlighting the normalization deal he is working to broker between Israel and Saudi Arabia. “Israel could be part of a regional security network to counter the threat posed by Iran.”

“All this progress would make Israel more secure, with Israeli families no longer living in the shadow of a terrorist attack. All of this would create the conditions for a different future, a better future for the Palestinian people, one of self-determination, dignity, security and freedom.”

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