The Biden administration’s focus on "de-escalation" hampers Israel's fight against Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, weakening Israel’s self-defense.
The US claimed that it believed that Netanyahu would consent to the ceasefire soon after it was issued, while Israel said there was no such expectation.
"This elimination is intended to protect the citizens of Israel," Biden said in a brief statement to the press, adding that Israel was not seeking regional escalation.
White House spokesperson John Kirby noted that Hochstein’s trip is part of the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to prevent the opening of a second front.
Hamas has complicated ceasefire negotiations with new demands, increasing difficulty for a deal. Despite this, efforts continue to find a resolution.
“We've suffered yet another huge setback here.” Kirby said, but that “doesn't mean we're not going to keep trying," John Kirby told reporters
While the US states that Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor is part of Phase One of the hostage deal, Israel denies, arguing that the area is not considered densely populated.
Kirby wouldn't specify the nature of Iran's readiness or the intelligence behind it, only saying, "We got to be prepared, and we are."
The most important step right now is making sure that "Israel can defend itself and that we, the United States, have in place the proper force to help them defend themselves,” John Kirby said.
Finance minister doubles down on opposition to hostage deal: "Surrender agreement with Sinwar is bad for Israel and endangers its security."
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