Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal Talks: 'Hope Springs Eternal'

President Biden expressed optimism that a hostage deal with Hamas terrorists was close, but acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to do more to secure their release. The president spoke to reporters before a briefing in the Situation Room, where he received an update on the negotiations.

President Biden convened a meeting with a hostage deal negotiating team following the tragic murder of 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas on Saturday. The meeting, closed to the press, included Vice President Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and top national security officials.

During the meeting, the team reviewed a bridging proposal outlined by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. They discussed next steps in the ongoing effort to secure the release of hostages, including continued consultations with co-mediators Qatar and Egypt.

Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal Talks: 'Hope Springs Eternal'

President Biden expressed his devastation and outrage at the murder, and reaffirmed the importance of holding Hamas's leaders accountable. He also called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to do more to secure a deal.

"No," the president responded flatly when asked if he believed Netanyahu was doing enough on the issue.

Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal Talks: 'Hope Springs Eternal'

Biden acknowledged the challenges in securing a deal, but expressed optimism that it was close. "Hope springs eternal," he said. He noted that he had spoken with the American hostage's parents and assured them that the United States was not giving up.

Before the meeting, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of an Israeli-American hostage still being held by Hamas, appealed to the United States and Israel to broker a deal "with Satan." He argued that Israeli intelligence showed Hamas' forces were depleted and that Netanyahu could no longer offer an excuse for not completing the deal.

Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal Talks: 'Hope Springs Eternal'

Israel has been under pressure to reach a resolution to the hostage crisis, which has sparked labor strikes and demonstrations. The war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, and 101 hostages, including seven Americans, remain in captivity.

The White House readout of the meeting emphasized the United States' commitment to working with Egypt and Qatar to secure the release of the hostages. President Biden and Vice President Harris praised the efforts of the negotiating team and expressed their determination to continue working until the hostages were safely returned home.

Biden Presses Netanyahu on Hostage Deal Talks: 'Hope Springs Eternal'