The United States has been striving for months to secure a deal to free hostages in Gaza and bring an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas. Despite the efforts, the Biden administration has been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement, leading to questions about its credibility and judgment. With the recent terror attacks and onset of Israeli airstrikes, President Biden is under pressure to secure the release of American hostages in Gaza. The administration’s desire to prevent further conflict in the region is also a driving force behind the push for a deal.
However, the disconnect between the US and Israeli governments, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, poses a significant challenge. While Washington believes a deal is close to completion, Netanyahu denies that this is the case. Despite the administration’s frustration, they have not exerted all possible leverage on Netanyahu. Biden’s pro-Israel stance and reluctance to antagonize Israel further complicate the situation. The political circumstances make it difficult for the US to walk away from Israel or place blame solely on Netanyahu.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is multifaceted, with both sides viewing it as an existential battle. Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to certain terms and Hamas’ reluctance to compromise contribute to the deadlock. Netanyahu’s political motivations, including the desire to shift attention away from recent domestic troubles and potential legal challenges, make reaching a deal less likely. The situation is further complicated by the lack of urgency on the part of both Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to resolve the conflict.
Despite the administration’s efforts, the prospects for reaching a deal remain grim. Netanyahu views the conflict with Hamas as part of a broader struggle against Iran and its proxies, making a deal less of a priority for him. The political pressures he faces are not yet at a critical point, allowing him to continue with the conflict. The lack of urgency on both sides to negotiate underscores the futility of the situation. The impasse is further reinforced by the consequential protests in Israel against Netanyahu and the reluctance of Hamas to spare Palestinian civilians.
The cycle of futility in reaching a deal is highlighted by Vice President Harris’ repeated calls for ending the war and securing a ceasefire. Despite the administration’s continued efforts, the obstacles to reaching an agreement persist. The complexities of the situation, including political motivations and strategic calculations on both sides, make a resolution elusive. Without a shift in priorities and willingness to compromise from all parties involved, the conflict is likely to continue, prolonging the suffering of civilians in Gaza and the political implications for the US and Israel.
