Netanyahu has yet to speak publicly about Biden’s speech, and although Biden called it an Israeli proposal, the country’s official position was not immediately clear. NBC News has reached out to the Israeli prime minister’s office for clarification.
His office issued a statement on Saturday saying that Israel’s conditions for ending the war had not changed and that a permanent cease-fire in Gaza “does not begin” until they are met. But in Interview with British newspaper Sunday Times Ophir Falk, Netanyahu’s chief adviser on foreign policy, said that Israel did not reject the agreement. It was “a deal we agreed to — it’s not a good deal, but we really want the hostages released,” Falk said.
Biden’s announcement of the proposal has put Netanyahu under renewed pressure at home and abroad.
Two of his right-wing ministers have threatened to quit the coalition that holds his government together if he agrees to the truce deal Biden outlined. Israeli media reported on Monday Netanyahu was due to meet with his staunch national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, as he threatened to resign from the government.
At the same time, the families of the Israeli hostages have increased their demands for the government to make a deal that could secure the release of their loved ones. After Biden’s speech, a large rally was held in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
The Biden administration also continued its pressure campaign over the weekend.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and war cabinet member Benny Gantz late Sunday, saying he both “compliments” Israel for the offer and that the onus is now on Hamas to accept it. Challenges announced by the State Department.
Raf Sanchez reported from Jerusalem, and Yuliya Talmazan reported from London.
Paul Goldman contributed.