US envoy Amos Hochstein, who played a key role in negotiating the Israel-Hezbollah deal, suggested it could pave the way for a similar agreement in Gaza.
"We firmly believe that the Lebanon deal now opens that door," Hochstein stated during a briefing with the US Jewish community on Wednesday.
He noted that following the truce with Hezbollah, Israel was now engaged in a "one-front war."
"There's no cavalry coming from the north anymore for Hamas. So this is a moment where Hamas needs to take the step to come to the table," he said.
Hochstein also mentioned that the Biden administration was "in touch" with the incoming Trump team regarding the issue.
US President Joe Biden is set to renew efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release deal after the announcement of the Israel-Hezbollah truce in Lebanon, according to his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.
Sullivan explained that Hamas now faces greater pressure to negotiate, as Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah is no longer actively fighting in support of the Palestinian militant group.
Before the truce was officially announced on Tuesday, Biden had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They agreed to resume efforts toward achieving a Gaza truce, Sullivan revealed.
"President Biden intends to begin that work today by having his envoys engage with Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and other actors in the region," Sullivan told MSNBC.
"We believe that this is the beginning of an opportunity for a more stable Middle East in which Israel's security is assured and US interests are secured," he added.
The Israel-Hezbollah agreement marks a significant diplomatic success for Biden as he prepares to leave office and hand over power to Donald Trump on January 20.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Biden reiterated that "over the coming days the United States will make another push" for a Gaza deal, reinforcing statements from his Tuesday announcement.
The outgoing president emphasized the goal of securing "a ceasefire in Gaza with the hostages released and an end to the war without Hamas in power."
On Tuesday, Biden also highlighted Washington's commitment to pursuing a long-discussed agreement to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
"Peace is possible," Biden said during a speech at the White House. "As long as that is the case, I will not for a single moment stop working to achieve it."
Comments