Biden steps up pressure on Israel for de-escalation

In his fourth conversation with PM Binyamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that “he expected a significant de-escalation on the path to a ceasefire.” Netanyahu offered Biden no specific pledge to wind down the violence, according to Washington sources. After a visit to the IDF command center, the prime minister said in a video post that he was “determined to continue the operation until its objective was achieved: to restore quiet and security to you, citizens of Israel.” He added that he “especially appreciate(s) the support of our friend US President Joe Biden.”

Egypt has proposed establishing a ceasefire the Gaza hostilities starting at 6 a.m. Thursday morning. During the day, German Czech and Slovakian foreign ministers begin a solidarity visit to Israel.