Joe Biden, Netanyahu discuss 'progress' in Gaza ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden to discuss ongoing negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
“The prime minister discussed with the American president the progress in the negotiations to release our hostages and updated him on the mandate he gave to the negotiating team to Doha in order to advance the release of our hostages,” Israel PM's office said in a statement.
Netanyahu also thanked Biden and incoming US President Donald Trump for their support.

Biden reiterated calls for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, the return of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid. Biden also addressed the broader regional dynamics, referencing Lebanon’s November ceasefire, the fall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, and Iran’s diminished influence, said the White House.
This marked the first publicised call between Netanyahu and Biden since October 2024, according to CNN.
The conversation occurred as Netanyahu met with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both of who have opposed the ceasefire and insisted on continuing military action against Hamas. They had threatened to resign and topple the government.
Netanyahu is under pressure from Biden and Trump’s team. Trump’s administration has stressed urgency, with Trump himself saying there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if the hostages are not released by the time he is sworn into office.

Meanwhile, allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have emphasised his dedication to securing a deal. Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, told Israeli outlet Channel 14 that the government is doing “everything possible” to finalise an agreement, though he acknowledged that progress has been “gradual and slow.”