As the Israel-Hamas war escalates to the possibility of Israeli Defence Force combat troops entering Gaza in pursuit of Hamas militants, President Biden was asked if he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay an invasion until hostages held by Hamas, including ten Americans, are returned.
“What I have indicated to him,” Biden responded, “is that if that's possible to get these folks out safely, that's what he should do.” He emphasized the word “possible,” and continued: “It’s their decision. But I did not demand it. I pointed out to him, if it's real, it should be done.”
When pressed by another reporter if that would leave the hostages in jeopardy, President Biden snapped, ”You want to make a speech? No, look, obviously they're in jeopardy. The question is whether or not there's any way of getting them out. If we can get them out, we should get them out.”
