Netanyahu Assured by Biden and Trump of US Support and Weapons Return for Gaza Fighting if Ceasefire Fails

Jan 17, 2025, 11:09 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed his cabinet that he has received assurances from both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump that the United States will support Israel's return to intense fighting in Gaza if negotiations on Phase II of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas fail and Hamas does not accept Israel's security demands. Netanyahu also stated that upon Trump's inauguration, Israel will receive back all the weapons that were previously seized or denied by the Biden administration. This assurance is considered crucial as it would provide Israel with additional tools to resume fighting if necessary. The Israeli government has approved a deal with Hamas that includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,700 Palestinian detainees during the first phase of the ceasefire, which is set to last 42 days and begin on Sunday.