Biden, Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Cease-Fire in Oval Office

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Jul 25, 2024

Above: U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office at the White House on July 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Jul 26

The Facts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Pres. Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Thursday to discuss a cease-fire in the nine-month conflict in Gaza, as White House officials claim Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to a deal.
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said in a press briefing that tensions between Israel and Hezbollah and the “critical need for stability in the West Bank” have also been discussed, adding that the US still maintains an “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, preserve Israel's security, and create a better "day after" in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.

Pro-Israel narrative

Israel wants to make a deal and get its hostages back, but it cannot allow Hamas to stay in power. If Hamas is allowed to remain in power in Gaza, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must do what is best for its citizens.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Though Israel's war on Gaza must end as soon as possible, it's clear that Israel wants to indefinitely occupy the strip. Israel has failed miserably at defeating Hamas, as the group continues to re-emerge in areas deemed "cleared." Indeed, Netanyahu's political ambitions incentivize him to perpetuate this genocidal campaign as long as possible. Regardless of a deal, this war has no end in sight.