White House reiterates claim Israel, Hamas ‘as close as we’ve ever been’ to deal
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, July 8, 2024. (AP/Susan Walsh)
The White House reiterates its claim that a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is within reach.
“We are as close as we think we have ever been,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters in a briefing.
On July 25, Kirby told reporters, “We are closer now than we’ve been before.”
The White House has been insisting that talks are nearing the finish line for roughly one month, even as Israeli and Arab officials tell The Times of Israel that talks have been at a standstill since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added a series of new demands in July.
