Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with senior advisors of US President Joe Biden, Amos Hochstein, and Brett McGurk, the Middle East and North Africa Coordinator of the White House National Security Council, regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk, senior advisors to US President Joe Biden, arrived in Israel for discussions on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. They first met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Netanyahu’s emphasis on ending the threat to Israel from Lebanon and the return of those living in the north of Israel as crucial aspects of the agreement. Hochstein and McGurk later met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah and the return of prisoners in Gaza.

“I Say No to US Demands When Necessary”
Furthermore, Netanyahu, speaking at the graduation ceremony for new Israeli military officers, stated that Israel has more freedom of movement over Iran than ever before and has the capability to reach anywhere in Iran if needed. He underscored that Israel’s main goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and mentioned that plans are in place in line with this objective, although he refrained from sharing details. Netanyahu mentioned that he cannot provide an end date for attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting that they operate based on strategic goals. Regarding expectations for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not accept a ceasefire without neutralizing Hezbollah’s border tunnel network, leadership, and rocket power. Netanyahu expressed appreciation for US support but added that he says “no” to US demands when forced to do so.