Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 17, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Netanyahu, Biden agree on phone call that Sinwar’s death presents opportunity for hostage deal
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (back) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Biden landed in Israel on October 18, on a solidarity visit following Hamas attacks that have led to major Israeli reprisals. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP)
US President Joe Biden calls Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from aboard Air Force One to congratulate him on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, says the Prime Minister’s Office.
“The US President praised the IDF and their excellent work,” says the PMO.
Both leaders agree that there is an opportunity now to move toward a hostage deal, and that they will work together to achieve one.
