Biden To Speak To Israeli PM Netanyahu Today On Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Barak Ravid at Axios reporting that US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to speak today, "to discuss the developments around the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal," according to two Netanyahu aides. Comes as a breakthrough in talks to secure a ceasefire appears closer than at any point in recent weeks.

• Ravid notes that today Netanyahu will also, "hold a preliminary discussion with the Israeli negotiating team on the updated answer from Hamas," and chair a meeting of his security cabinet.
• Israel received Hamas' response yesterday to the ceasefire proposal outlined by Biden in late May, with Reuters noting that Hamas, "has shown flexibility over some clauses, that would allow a framework agreement to be reached should Israel approve."
• Axios notes that, although there has been progress, one Israeli official said that "there is still a significant way to go with serious challenges." Even if the parties enter into detailed negotiations, they will be "tough" and likely "take several weeks to reach an agreement," the official said.
• Semafor notes that any ceasefire proposal is likely to face robust opposition in Israeli: "Netanyahu believes a truce that leaves Hamas in power would collapse his uneasy coalition and said the war would end “only after we have achieved all of its objectives.”"
• Considering the parlous state of President Biden's re-election campaign, a ceasefire deal could be critical for Democrats' chances of retaining the White House in November - limiting exposure to a decisive political issue which has divided the Democratic Party.