Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under fire from US President Joe Biden for allegedly not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. Biden expressed his frustration with Netanyahu during a recent phone call between the two leaders, according to a White House official.
The hostages, believed to be two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two Israeli soldiers, have been held captive by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, for several years. The families of the hostages have been pleading for their release, but so far no progress has been made in securing a deal.
Biden reportedly told Netanyahu that he needs to do more to push for the release of the hostages, and that the US is willing to provide support in any way possible. The White House official said that Biden urged Netanyahu to take bold and decisive action to bring the hostages home.
Netanyahu has been criticized in the past for his handling of hostage situations, with some accusing him of being too cautious and unwilling to take risks to secure the release of Israeli captives. This latest criticism from Biden is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the two leaders.
Netanyahu’s office has not commented on the specifics of the phone call with Biden, but a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said that he is committed to doing everything in his power to bring the hostages home safely.
It remains to be seen what steps Netanyahu will take in response to Biden’s criticism, but one thing is clear: the pressure is on for the Israeli Prime Minister to deliver results and secure the release of the hostages being held in Gaza. The families of the hostages, as well as the Israeli public, are watching closely to see what actions will be taken to bring their loved ones home.