Biden criticizes Netanyahu for lack of effort in captives deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Sep 2024 23:15
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When asked whether he thought Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a deal for the release of captives, Biden responded with a direct "No."

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President Joe Biden talks with reporters as he walks out of the White House to board Marine One on the South Lawn in Washington, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 (AP)

At a press briefing at the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of captives held by Hamas in Gaza.

When asked whether he thought Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a deal for the release of captives, Biden responded with a direct "No."

He did not elaborate further on this comment, which led to sharp reactions from senior Israeli sources cited by Reuters.

Additionally, when asked if he was planning to present a final deal to both sides this week, Biden claimed, "We're very close to that," and added, "Hope springs eternal" when questioned about the likelihood of a deal being successful.

This comes against the backdrop of the recent discovery of the bodies of six captives in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip. The body of one Israeli-American captive was among them.

Netanyahu, Israeli officials comment

When questioned about Biden's remarks, Netanyahu seemed to push back, arguing that pressure should be directed against Hamas rather than "Israel"—especially in light of the captives' deaths.

"And now after this we're asked to show seriousness? We're asked to make concessions? What message does this send Hamas? It says, kill more hostages," he told a news conference in occupied al-Quds.

Netanyahu responded by claiming that Hamas was the one who needed to make greater compromises and that neither Biden nor anyone else who was sincere about bringing about peace would push "Israel" to do so.

Biden's remarks drew sharp responses from senior Israeli officials cited by Reuters as well, stating they found it "remarkable" that Biden was applying pressure on Netanyahu rather than on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

A US official responded to their remarks by saying that "[Biden] is also calling for urgency from the Israeli government in securing the release of the missing remaining hostages."

As for Hamas, spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said Biden's criticism of Netanyahu was "American recognition that Netanyahu was responsible for undermining efforts to reach a deal."

He added that the movement would respond positively to a proposal that could secure a permanent ceasefire and ensure a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip.

Netanyahu's negotiating tactics led to the death of six captives

Israeli media reports have indicated that Netanyahu's negotiating tactics may have led to the deaths of six captives, three of whom could have been released in a prisoner exchange deal.

According to Ronen Bergman of the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu's team submitted a document to mediators that significantly altered the original terms agreed upon in May.

Dubbed "The Bloody Document," these changes included new conditions and demands, such as maintaining control over strategic points along the Philadelphi Corridor, which led to the breakdown of negotiations.

Israeli officials and the families of the captives blamed Netanyahu for the failed negotiations, arguing that his last-minute alterations effectively sabotaged the agreement.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in drafting the document, viewed Hamas's initial acceptance of the proposal as a weakness and pushed for its rejection, further complicating the situation.