Will there be a ceasefire? Biden, Harris to press Netanyahu on Israel-Hamas war

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kicks off a high-profile visit to Washington that includes an address to Congress and meetings with top officials, the issue that has been at the forefront of U.S.-Israel relations ? a Gaza-war cease-fire ? may seem elusive.

Negotiators are still working on a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that would bring prisoners and hostages home and establish a roadmap for a permanent end to the war.

U.S. officials have said for weeks that an agreement is in sight — and President Joe Biden will try to move that along when he meets on Thursday at the White House with Netanyahu.

Netanyahu is in Washington at the invitation of U.S. lawmakers and will deliver a speech to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon.

"I believe we’re inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line in getting an agreement that would produce a ceasefire, get the hostages home, and put us on a better track to trying to build lasting peace and stability," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an interview at the Aspen Security Forum last week.

But, he added: "We also know that with anything, the last 10 yards are often the hardest."

What Biden Proposed

Biden first laid out the broad strokes for a cease-fire during a White House address in early May. He said the proposal had three phases, the first of which was a six-week cease-fire that would include the release by Israel of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas-held hostages who were kidnapped by the militant group during its Oct. 7 attack.

Women, the elderly, the wounded and American hostages would be the first to be released, Biden said, and the remains of some deceased hostages would be returned to their families. Displaced Palestinians would be able to return to their homes and more humanitarian aid would be let in.

The second phase would include the permanent cessation of hostilities and the release of all remaining hostages. The third involved a "major reconstruction plan" for Gaza and the return of the remains of deceased hostages who were not included in the earlier trade.

"I know there are those in Israel who will not agree with this plan and will call for the war to continue indefinitely," Biden said at the time. "Some are even in the government coalition. And they’ve made it clear: They want to occupy Gaza, they want to keep fighting for years, and the hostages are not a priority to them." He said he'd urge Israeli leaders "to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes."

Where a cease-fire and hostage deal stands

The United Nations Security Council endorsed the proposal, and a group of negotiators have been working diligently to turn that framework into an agreement.

Blinken said in Colorado, at the Aspen Security Forum, that its necessary while Netanyahu is in town to "make sure that there’s a clear plan for what follows – the so-called day-after plan." He indicated that the U.S. fears that Hamas could use a void to regroup, lawlessness could ensue and Israel could try to remain in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu actively opposes a two-state solution that would establish an independent Palestinian nation. Although one is not included in the deal, the U.S. views the cease-fire as a bridge to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"There’s no ultimate answer other than a two-state solution here," Biden said at a news conference at the conclusion of the NATO summit earlier this month.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US hopes for progress on a cease-fire deal during Netanyahu visit