Benjamin Netanyahu has described his three-hour meeting with Antony Blinken as “positive” and says it was “conducted in good spirit”, with pressure for a ceasefire growing.
The US Secretary of State is making his ninth trip to the region since Israel’s war on Hamas began in October.
The US expressed optimism about a ceasefire deal after talks resumed in Doha last week.
However, Hamas has said suggestions of progress are an “illusion”, with a number of issues between the two sides still contested – including whether Israeli troops will be required to withdraw fully from Gaza.
Earlier that day Mr Blinken also met with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and said it was “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
“We’re working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places, and to greater intensity,” Mr Blinken said during his meeting with Mr Herzog.
He said it was “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity” to get the hostages released and achieve a ceasefire.
A statement from Mr Netanyahu’s office following his talks with Mr Biden said: “The prime minister reiterated Israel’s commitment to the latest American proposal regarding the release of our hostages – taking into account Israel’s security needs, which he insists on firmly.”
The current negotiations are based on a modified proposal presented by the US, aimed at bridging long-standing gaps between Israel and Hamas.
The Americans hope they can get the deal over the finish line perhaps as soon as this time next week.
But that level of optimism is not shared by the Israeli leadership or Hamas.
Each accuses the other of obstinate cynicism, and blocking a deal.
Credit: bbc.com
