US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed on Sunday ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages together with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a statement issued by the White House said.
During a phone conversation, Biden reiterated to Netanyahu his clear position on a major Israeli operation in Rafah, the statement added.
The President then reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security following the successful defense against Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack earlier this month.
Biden and Netanyahu also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week, the White House statement said.
The US President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organizations.
The talks came amid reports saying Israel has approved plans for an invasion of Rafah, but has expressed a willingness to call off or postpone the operation if Hamas releases Israeli hostages in exchange, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Under a new proposal by Egypt for de-escalation in Gaza, Hamas would back down from demands for a permanent ceasefire in the first phase, and accept to free nearly 30 Israeli detainees. The deal secures a day of calm in the Strip for every Israeli detainee released. It also has clear lines for a second phase.
The Jerusalem Post said Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Herzi Halevi has approved plans for a “major operation” in Rafah following a meeting on Sunday with Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and the other division and brigade commanders of the Southern Command.
The newspaper said Finkelman and 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram held a situation assessment in the field on Friday, adding that new operational plans for continued fighting were approved.
