--- title: Biden Must Push Netanyahu description: Netanyahu's government must be pushed by the Biden Administration to be open to new solutions to the Gaza crisis, write David A. Halperin and Michael Koplow. canonical: https://time.com/6551721/biden-must-push-netanyahu-gaza/ author: TIME article:opinion: true article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2024-01-03T17:09:12.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-19T07:29:34.627Z article:section: Ideas og:title: Biden Must Push Netanyahu og:description: Netanyahu's government must be pushed by the Biden Administration to be open to new solutions to the Gaza crisis. og:url: https://time.com/6551721/biden-must-push-netanyahu-gaza/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc6301e4e6575ce02/698a438ddb29876af1269afb/GettyImages-1731162446.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1024 og:image:height: 576 og:image:alt: ISRAEL-US-PALESTINIAN-CONFLICT og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Biden Must Push Netanyahu twitter:description: Netanyahu's government must be pushed by the Biden Administration to be open to new solutions to the Gaza crisis. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc6301e4e6575ce02/698a438ddb29876af1269afb/GettyImages-1731162446.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 video:duration: 03:52 video:published: 2024-01-19 section: politics topics: Biden-Netanyahu call, two-state solution, Gaza humanitarian aid, hostage release, Ashdod Port, Palestinian Authority revenues, post-conflict Gaza governance, White House briefing, Israel security, Palestinian statehood genre: news briefing, political news tones: formal, diplomatic, measured, serious emotions: concern (medium), determination (medium), tension (medium) sentiment: neutral audience: news consumers, policy analysts, foreign policy observers, political followers people: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu organizations: White House, Hamas, Palestinian Authority, Government of Israel, United States content_suitability: war [00:09-03:52]; politics [00:00-03:52] transcript_source: publisher captions transcript_reviewed: not applicable ---  # Biden Must Push Netanyahu > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. 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Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=760240a7-fff5-4a96-bddc-5e388bbb7c80&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: White House Says Biden Spoke Directly with Netanyahu and Affirmed Support for Two State Solution [Watch (HLS stream): White House Says Biden Spoke Directly with Netanyahu and Affirmed Support for Two State Solution](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/aLWKIwke.m3u8) (3:52)  _Published 2024-01-19. During a call on Friday with U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a nearly four-week gap in direct communication, the White House said Biden affirmed his commitment to work toward a two-state solution._ Description, summary, key points, chapters, key quotes, questions and transcript, where present, were produced automatically from the video or its captions and were not reviewed. ## Summary A White House spokesperson briefs reporters on a call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The briefing covers hostage release efforts, the shift to targeted operations in Gaza, humanitarian aid shipments, and Palestinian Authority revenues. The spokesperson repeatedly states Biden's commitment to a two-state solution and a free and independent Palestinian state. The spokesperson acknowledges disagreements between the two leaders and declines to describe Netanyahu's side of the conversation. ## Key points - The call addressed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. (00:00) - The leaders reviewed Gaza and a shift to targeted operations meant to allow more humanitarian assistance while keeping military pressure on Hamas and its leaders. (00:11) - Biden welcomed Israel's decision to permit flour shipments for Palestinians directly through Ashdod Port; U.S. teams are separately working on options for more direct maritime aid delivery into Gaza. (00:27) - The call covered recent progress in making Palestinian Authority revenues available to pay salaries, including for Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. (00:42) - Biden discussed a vision of durable peace and security for Israel, fully integrated in the region, with a two-state solution and Israel's security guaranteed. (01:02) - The spokesperson says the U.S. is actively discussing post-conflict Gaza governance with Israel and the importance of an independent Palestinian state for long-term security. (01:46) - The spokesperson says the two sides will not agree on everything, but that candid discussion between friends will not change Biden's view that a free and independent Palestinian state is the best long-term solution. (02:10) - The spokesperson says Netanyahu has made his concerns clear, while Biden reiterated his conviction that a two-state solution is viable, though it will not be reached tomorrow amid active conflict. (02:50) ## Chapters - [00:00 to 00:42] Hostages, Gaza operations and aid. The spokesperson summarizes the call's discussion of hostages, targeted operations in Gaza, and humanitarian aid including flour through Ashdod Port. - [00:42 to 01:02] Palestinian Authority revenues and civilians. The call is described as covering Palestinian Authority revenues for salaries and efforts to reduce harm to civilians. - [01:02 to 01:46] Two-state vision and call frequency. The spokesperson outlines Biden's vision of peace and security and a two-state solution, and addresses the frequency of future calls. - [01:46 to 02:50] Post-conflict Gaza and open disagreements. The spokesperson discusses governance after the conflict, Israel's defense needs, and acknowledges the leaders will not agree on everything. - [02:50 to 03:52] Netanyahu's concerns and Biden's conviction. The spokesperson declines to describe Netanyahu's side and reiterates Biden's belief in a viable two-state solution. ## Key quotes - [01:02] White House spokesperson: "The President also discussed his vision for a more durable peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region and a two-state solution with Israel's security guaranteed" - [02:10] White House spokesperson: "We're not going to agree on everything." - [02:50] White House spokesperson: "President Biden has made clear his strong conviction that a two-state solution is still the right path ahead and we're going to continue to make that case." - [03:17] White House spokesperson: "I won't get into the prime minister's side of the conversation." - [03:20] White House spokesperson: "all I can tell you is that the president reiterated his strong conviction in the viability of a two-state solution" ## Questions this video answers - What topics did Biden and Netanyahu discuss on the call? [00:00] - What did the White House say about humanitarian aid reaching Gaza? [00:27] - What is Biden's stated vision for peace and security in the region? [01:02] - Does the White House say Biden and Netanyahu agree on everything? [02:10] - What does the White House say about the timeline for a two-state solution? [03:20] - Will the White House describe Netanyahu's side of the call? [03:17] ## Content suitability - war [00:09-03:52]: Discussion of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, military pressure on Hamas, hostages, and humanitarian assistance. - politics [00:00-03:52]: Political briefing on U.S.-Israel relations, a two-state solution, and Palestinian statehood, including acknowledged disagreement between leaders. by [David A. Halperin](https://time.com/author/david-a-halperin/) and [Michael Koplow](https://time.com/author/michael-koplow/) Jan 3, 2024 5:09 PM UTC During a call on Friday with U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a nearly four-week gap in direct communication, the White House said Biden affirmed his commitment to work toward a two-state solution. by [David A. Halperin](https://time.com/author/david-a-halperin/) and [Michael Koplow](https://time.com/author/michael-koplow/) Jan 3, 2024 5:09 PM UTC In less turbulent times, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was known by the nickname Mr. Security, but in the aftermath of Hamas’ murderous [October 7](https://time.com/6321849/israel-attack/) assault on Israel, the better moniker for Netanyahu might be Dr. No. In recent weeks, Netanyahu has repeatedly laid out the things that he is not willing to accept; no to Palestinian statehood, no to a Palestinian Authority [role](https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4356031-netanyahu-vows-to-block-palestinian-authority-from-gaza-rule/) in Gaza, no to transferring the full [tax revenues](https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-frustrating-call-biden-said-to-tell-pm-to-resolve-palestinian-tax-funds-issue/) to the PA that Israel collects on its behalf under the Oslo agreements, no to allowing Palestinians from the West Bank with work permits to resume working in Israel. In his [Wall Street Journal op-ed](https://www.wsj.com/articles/benjamin-netanyahu-our-three-prerequisites-for-peace-gaza-israel-bff895bd?mod=Searchresults%5Fpos6&page=1) on December 25, Netanyahu laid out three amorphous "prerequisites for peace": 1) destroy Hamas; 2) demilitarize Gaza; 3) deradicalize Palestinian society. In addition to shockingly ignoring the plight of Israel's hostages still held by Hamas, Netanyahu failed to provide any vision for how Israel would marshal international or region support to achieve his lofty objectives. Netanyahu understandably views October 7 and Israel’s military operation in Gaza as a crisis, and is seemingly focused on limiting the fallout. But the shocking nature of Hamas’ attack and the new world that it has spurred in Gaza has also created new opportunities that Israel has long sought, and by harping on what can go wrong rather than what can go right, Netanyahu is squandering a chance that may not return for a long time. Israel has long sought the international community’s support on a number of issues, which it has found hard to secure. Israel has warned for years about Iranian aid for Hamas and Hezbollah, and sounded the alarm on international assistance to Gaza being captured by Hamas for tunnel construction and weapons manufacturing. It has pushed for an end to Palestinian Authority martyr and prisoner payments and for donors to the PA to take more seriously the issue of PA incitement in textbooks and media. It has worked to create a more integrated region in which Israel is a full participant, and counted on growing defense and economic relationships to make regional normalization feel inevitable rather than remote. While the [Abraham Accords](https://time.com/5890151/saudi-arabia-israel-abraham-accords/) was a clear success for normalization, other states have not yet followed suit, and Israel has remained frustrated that its complaints about the Iranian axis and PA incitement only find infrequent receptive audiences. **_Read More:_** [**_Finding Common Ground Between Israelis and Palestinians_**](https://time.com/6343572/common-ground-between-israelis-palestinians/) Israel’s fight against Hamas has the ability to gain Israel more willing allies on these fronts. None of the pragmatic Sunni states want Iranian influence to grow or its proxies to retain their ability to sow chaos. Israeli diplomats insist that the private messages they receive across the region are clear support for Israel to destroy Hamas. The October 7 attacks also demonstrated the danger of letting unbridled incitement fester, and in an environment in which frustration with the PA across the region was already high, there has never been a more auspicious moment to push for genuine PA reforms. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have already sparked a U.S.-led coalition to protect freedom of navigation, and only reinforce the imperative to have Israel be part of region-wide security solutions and for normalization to keep moving forward. Israel is in a position to advance many of its policy priorities with the cooperation of current and future partners. Yet Netanyahu’s constant refusal to discuss a political horizon for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his endless harangues against the PA are making it difficult, if not impossible, to gain international support for these priorities. Nobody is going to press the PA on governance, transparency, or incitement when Netanyahu is trying to have “Fatahstan” enter the lexicon rather than set out attainable goals for what Israel would need in order to support a PA role in Gaza. Nobody is going to take the steps that would precede new normalization agreements when Netanyahu is rebuffing Arab states demands on a two-state political process and also insisting that they should fund Gaza reconstruction with no questions asked or strings attached. Iran and its proxies are not going to be deterred when visiting high-ranking U.S. officials repeatedly lay out their vision for a post-war Gaza and Israeli cabinet members fall over each other in their rush to the television studios to offer public rebuttals. Israel has an opportunity to get widespread cooperation on a range of its priorities, and is instead guaranteeing a future of going it alone. President Biden is understandably growing [frustrated](https://www.axios.com/2023/12/28/biden-netanyahu-call-palestinian-authority-tax-revenue). As has always been the case with Israeli-Palestinian issues, the absence of progress will not also mean the absence of deterioration. As Netanyahu does all he can to prevent any sort of proactive solution for Gaza, the void will be filled by extremists. Not only does it risk a Hamas resurgence or the rise of an even more radical entity, but likelier is an inescapable Israeli occupation and a right-wing campaign to rebuild settlements in Gaza. Should that happen, cooperation that seemed inevitable in a pre-October 7 world will not materialize, and existing relationships may even be rolled back. President Biden should push Netanyahu and the Israeli government to take a more pliable view of the opportunities of the moment, and not to focus solely on the risks. The U.S. should not waste time on multilateral efforts like the Negev Forum or convene donor conferences for Gaza reconstruction until Netanyahu sets out a proactive political vision for the post-war period that is compatible with the priorities of states in the region; otherwise the U.S. will be left spinning its wheels. While this will cause more friction between the U.S. and Israel at a time when both sides are trying to maintain a united front, there is widespread political support in the U.S. among both parties for real PA reform and for the spread of regional normalization. It is clear that these priorities—both of which benefit Israel and which Israel supports—require some measure of Israeli compromise, and the Biden Administration should not be shy about taking a tougher public line with Israel, not for the purpose of creating distance but for the purpose of improving the regional architecture in ways that even Netanyahu acknowledges would be to Israel’s benefit. Netanyahu has always been more comfortable saying no than he has in taking the initiative. It is up to the U.S. to get him to where Israel needs to be. ## Transcript [00:00] President Biden have a chance to speak this morning with prime [00:03] minister Netanyahu and discuss ongoing efforts to secure the [00:09] release of all remaining hostages are being held by them last [00:11] two years also review the situation in Gaza and the shift to targeted [00:16] operations that will enable the flow of increasing amounts [00:19] of humanitarian assistance while keeping the military pressure [00:22] on Hamas and its leaders significant president welcomed [00:27] the decision from the government of Israel to permit the shipment [00:31] of flour for the Palestinian people directly through ashdod [00:34] Port while our teams are separately working on options for more [00:38] direct Maritime delivery of assistance into Gaza. [00:42] President also discuss recent progress in ensuring the Palestinian [00:45] Authority's revenues are available to pay salaries including [00:48] for the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank President [00:53] also discuss responsibility, even as it maintains military [00:56] pressure on Hamas and its leaders to reduce the volume Harman [01:00] to protect the Innocence. [01:02] The President also discussed his vision for a more durable [01:05] peace and security for Israel fully integrated within the region [01:08] and a two-state solution with Israel's security guaranteed [01:13] on the modalities of the call in the frequencies. [01:16] As I said before they will talk as appropriate. [01:18] This was deemed by both leaders as the best opportunity for [01:23] yet another call Colleen and I have no doubt that they'll [01:25] be additional costs going forward clearly the president [01:29] still believes in the promise and the possibility of a two-state solution [01:32] that he recognizes that's going to take a lot of hard [01:35] work. It's going to take a lot of leadership there in the region [01:39] particularly on both sides of the issue in the United States [01:42] stands firmly committed to to eventually seeing that outcome [01:46] right now and EM were obviously we're talking to them actively [01:49] about post-conflict Gaza and what governance their needs to look [01:54] like in the importance of an independent Palestinian [01:57] state for long-term security not just for the past 10 people, [01:59] but for these really people as well. [02:01] Currently, of course. [02:03] We're rightly focused. [02:04] As I said in the opening statement on making sure Israel has [02:07] what it continues as have what it needs to defend itself. [02:10] We're not going to agree on everything. [02:13] That we said that and good friends and allies can have those [02:16] kinds of candid forthright discussions. [02:18] And we do it's not going to change the president's view that [02:21] the best long-term solution for regional security particularly. [02:26] The security of these people is a free and independent [02:28] Palestinian state that I can live in peace and security [02:33] with security also guarantee that he still believes in that [02:41] and we're going to continue to talk to her is really kind. [02:43] Of course. This isn't about 4 or 4 to change in their thinking [02:50] president prime minister Netanyahu is made clear his concerns [02:55] about that President Biden has made clear his strong conviction [02:59] that a two-state solution is still the right path ahead and we're [03:02] going to continue to make that case. [03:03] What is the what is it that the prime minister? [03:13] that. Yeah County Bridge [03:17] I won't get into the prime minister's side of the conversation. [03:20] I think that's better for his staff today to speak to all I can [03:23] tell you is that the president reiterated his strong conviction in [03:28] the viability of a two-state solution understanding, [03:31] of course that we're not going to get there tomorrow that there [03:34] is an active conflict going on and if we want to make sure what [03:37] it needs to defend itself but has been now for many many weeks. [03:43] You can't do that without also talking about the aspirations of [03:47] the Palestinian people and what that needs to look like for [03:49] them. 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