President Biden and his national security team are optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement to halt the war in Gaza. Despite facing pressure from college campus protests urging the abandonment of Israel in its fight against Hamas, the administration sees a narrow window for potential peace.
Several factors, including successful defense of Israel from Iranian attacks, rising public pressure in Israel to free hostages, and Saudi Arabia’s interest in a new diplomatic initiative, have renewed hopes for a breakthrough in the coming weeks.
Efforts are underway to secure a cease-fire deal before Israel launches a major assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has met with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia to discuss a new offer from Israel. The Saudis are pushing for a security agreement with the United States and diplomatic recognition of Israel, contingent on Israel committing to a plan for a Palestinian state.
The involvement of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, remains a challenge to reaching a deal. American and Israeli officials are relying on intermediaries to communicate with Hamas leaders, complicating the negotiation process.
Pressure is mounting on Hamas to accept the proposed deal, with American officials emphasizing that the onus is on Hamas to agree to a cease-fire. However, concerns about potential International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli officials and a looming deadline for certifying Israel’s compliance with American and international laws add further complexity to the situation.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, protests on American college campuses and concerns about political implications for President Biden’s re-election campaign are also factors in the negotiations. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of urgency among leaders to seize the current opportunity for peace.
The Saudis are particularly keen on finalizing a deal with the United States, viewing it as a critical moment for progress in the region. The administration remains focused on finding the right combination of moves to halt the war and achieve a lasting peace agreement.
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