President Joe Biden held a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday regarding the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations, as well as diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, according to a post on X by White House spokesperson Emilie Simons.
Vice President Kamala Harris was also part of the call, which took place during a pivotal time in the Gaza ceasefire talks. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while in Israel, emphasized that this could be the final opportunity to reach an agreement.
Biden made the call from Santa Ynez, California, where he is currently on vacation.
A key issue in the ongoing negotiations is the fate of the Philadelphi corridor in southern Gaza. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported on Wednesday that Israel's withdrawal from this 8.7-mile stretch along the Gaza-Egypt border was part of the proposal Netanyahu had agreed to.
Blinken and other US officials have refrained from providing details on the "bridging proposal" the US introduced last week, aimed at narrowing the gap between Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire. Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza and the return of displaced citizens. However, Israeli officials argue that a resolution is needed to better manage the Egypt-Gaza border, which has been a longstanding smuggling route. Despite this, the Prime Minister’s office swiftly denied any plans to abandon the area, which Israeli forces captured in May.
"Israel is committed to achieving all its war objectives, as defined by the Security Cabinet, including ensuring that Gaza never again poses a security threat to Israel. Securing the southern border is essential," the office stated on Wednesday, labeling Kan’s report as "incorrect."
This statement appeared to contradict Blinken's comments from Tuesday, where he indicated that Netanyahu had accepted the bridging proposal, including the planned troop withdrawals.
"The agreement clearly outlines the schedule and locations for IDF withdrawals from Gaza, and Israel has agreed to these terms," Blinken told reporters before leaving Qatar.
Blinken made these remarks at the conclusion of a brief visit to the region, where the US is making a final push to secure a ceasefire that would end the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The top US diplomat noted on Monday in Israel that Hamas must also agree to the latest proposal to resolve the remaining issues.
A senior US administration official previously criticized Netanyahu's comments on not withdrawing as "maximalist statements" that are "unhelpful in finalizing a ceasefire deal."
CIA Director Bill Burns and other senior negotiators are expected to return to Cairo this weekend for further high-level discussions.
Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, as confirmed by US Central Command, bolstering US military presence as the region prepares for a potential Iranian attack.
The aircraft carrier was dispatched to the Middle East in early August following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iranian officials vowed to retaliate against Israel for the killing.
On August 11, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the carrier and its accompanying destroyers to expedite their transit to the Middle East amid growing concerns that Iran may be planning a large-scale, coordinated attack against Israel with its regional allies.
On Tuesday, Iran stated that its response to Israel would be "carefully calibrated" to avoid disrupting the ceasefire negotiations. However, Iran’s mission to the UN confirmed that a response is imminent. "The timing, conditions, and manner of Iran’s response will be meticulously planned to ensure maximum surprise," said the mission in a statement to CNN.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is expected to remain in the region for several more days before returning to the US, according to three US defense officials.
The Pentagon had previously announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln would replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Additionally, the US has the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, along with several destroyers and the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine.
This article has been updated with additional developments.
