President Biden’s response to a question regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza elicited critical feedback. Netanyahu denied responsibility for the murder of the hostages, stating that an agreement was close to being reached. However, Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas was obstructing negotiations by refusing to agree to a deal. The White House Press Secretary defended Biden’s remarks, emphasizing that Hamas was ultimately responsible for the deaths of the hostages and had more American blood on their hands.
Caroline Glick, a former advisor to Netanyahu, criticized the U.S. for pressuring Israel to make concessions to Hamas, rather than targeting the terrorist organization directly. She argued that the U.S.’s focus on pressuring Israel for a hostage deal was aimed at preserving Hamas’ power in Gaza, rather than prioritizing the safe return of the hostages. Glick’s comments highlighted concerns about the efficacy of the U.S.’s approach to the situation in Gaza and its impact on Israeli efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Netanyahu has faced pressure from both within Israel and internationally to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Israeli police estimated that around 80,000 people participated in a protest in Tel Aviv calling for a deal with Hamas to free the hostages. However, Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of maintaining security in Gaza and resisting concessions that could jeopardize the safety of Israel. Despite calls for a ceasefire and hostage deal, the political landscape in Israel has not shifted significantly to force Netanyahu into making concessions that would undermine national security.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman criticized Biden and Harris for their handling of the situation, arguing that they have been weak in holding Hamas and its backers accountable for the ongoing conflict. Friedman highlighted the importance of targeting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Iran, rather than criticizing Israel’s leadership. Aviva Siegel, a former Hamas hostage, expressed concerns about the conditions in which hostages are held, urging for urgent action to secure their release. Siegel emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and criticized the Israeli government for not doing enough to free the hostages.
Former deputy assistant secretary of state Joel Rubin defended President Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, noting that Biden’s focus on a diplomatic solution to secure the hostages’ release is a crucial step towards resolving the crisis. Rubin emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safe return of the hostages through diplomatic negotiations, rather than making concessions that could empower terrorist organizations like Hamas. Overall, the situation in Gaza remains tense as efforts continue to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and address the broader security concerns in the region.
