Netanyahu Slams Hamas' 'Outlandish' Demands as Tensions With Biden Rise

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed "outlandish" demands being made by Hamas militants over a deal to release hostages as tensions with U.S. President Joe Biden continue to escalate.

While appearing on Fox News' Fox & Friends, Netanyahu was asked by co-host Brian Kilmeade about a potential deal with Hamas for the release of hostages amid the ongoing war with Israel.

"I think we're there. I'm not sure Hamas is there," Netanyahu said regarding a possible deal to have hostages released. "They have what I'd call outlandish demands; that's like in another orbit, in another planet."

"They have to come down to reality, and I think that if that's the case, we'll be able to have a deal," Netanyahu added.

Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.

The context:

Fighting between Israel and Hamas militants has continued since Hamas' initial attack on October 7, 2023. The United States has provided Israel with military assistance amid the fighting, but Biden has sought to limit civilian casualties and has called for the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas militants.

Some 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the October 7 attack and 250 taken hostage; around 130 remain captive. To date, over 29,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Associated Press, citing the Gaza Health Ministry.

While speaking with CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan talked about a deal to release Israeli hostages and said, "The representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for temporary ceasefire would look like."

What we know:

Earlier this month, Biden told reporters that he has had several discussions with Netanyahu regarding a deal to release hostages and called for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"I've had extensive conversations with the prime minister of Israel over the last several days, almost an hour each, and I've made the case, and I feel very strongly about it, that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out, to get the hostages out," Biden said.

Views:

In December, Biden issued a statement on the 100th day of captivity for hostages in Gaza, saying, "No one should have to endure even one day of what they have gone through, much less 100."

"On this terrible day, I again reaffirm my pledge to all the hostages and their families—we are with you. We will never stop working to bring Americans home," Biden added.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told Axios last month that Netanyahu "has given Biden the finger" over several aspects of the ongoing war, as Biden has attempted to call for ceasefires and the protection of civilians in Gaza.

"They are pleading with the Netanyahu coalition but getting slapped in the face over and over again," Van Hollen told Axios.

What's next:

During his appearance on Fox & Friends, Netanyahu said that he "certainly" wants a deal with Hamas to release Israeli hostages and Palestinian hostages in Israel.

"We've already been able to free half the hostages, which is a singular achievement, but we want the remainder too," Netanyahu said.

Earlier this month, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke about a possible hostage deal and a temporary ceasefire, saying responses from Hamas "includes some comments, but in general it is positive."

Update 2/26/24, 8:23 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and to reflect that Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.

Update 2/26/24, 9:16 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.