Biden airs Israeli peace plan, squeezing Netanyahu
The president proposed a pause in fighting and a hostage swap in his surprise speech
![Tens of thousands of Israelis protest against leader Benjamin Netanyahu](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oNL9shZS6yt4erBRAcbNSE-415-80.jpg)
What happened
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas are weighing an Israeli cease-fire proposal that President Joe Biden made public Friday in a surprise speech. The plan, which Netanyahu's office confirmed was presented to Hamas days ago, calls for a six-week pause in fighting during which Israel would swap Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages in phases while aid to Gaza would see a significant boost.
Who said what
The deal has broad regional and international support, and more than 100,000 Israelis flooded the streets Saturday night to pressure Netanyahu to accept it. Hamas said it viewed Biden's speech "positively," with caveats. "We have every expectation that if Hamas agrees" to Israel's proposal, "Israel would say yes," White House spokesperson John Kirby said to ABC News on Sunday.
Two hardline members of Netanyahu's Cabinet threatened to bring down his government if he pursued the deal. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said he would provide Netanyahu a "safety net" in parliament to see the cease-fire deal through.
What next?
Biden's "public airing of the cease-fire proposal has forced" Netanyahu's competing incentives "to the surface, meaning Netanyahu may no longer be able to stall for time," The Washington Post said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
What will the presidential election mean for corporate taxes?
Today's Big Question Trump promises cuts. Biden said businesses should pay their 'fair share.'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'Making compensation more competitive with civilian careers is crucial'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Infant deaths jumped in Texas after abortion ban
Speed Read Babies born in states with more abortion restrictions may be likelier to die within a year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Making compensation more competitive with civilian careers is crucial'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Climate protests should be pro-humanity'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Gunmen in Dagestan hit churches, synagogues
Speed Read 19 people were killed in terrorist attacks targeting police and houses of worship in Russia
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israeli defense chief visits US as Hezbollah tensions rise
Speed Read Yoav Gallant will hold talks with US officials in Washington this week
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'If they want to win over Gen Z, they'll need to use this time wisely'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Dutch leader Mark Rutte to be next NATO chief
Speed Read The outgoing Dutch prime minister's only rival dropped out of the race
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Judge ignored calls to decline Trump documents case
Speed Read Aileen Cannon, who will oversee the former president's case, was appointed by Trump himself in late 2020
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Always played the game with enthusiasm'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published