Biden tells Netanyahu that its time to close hostage

President Biden told Prime Minister Netanyahu in their phone call that it was time to close the deal for the release of the hostages, according to a White House official

Senior White House official: The president was encouraged by his conversation with Netanyahu and by the fact that the prime minister authorized his team to go to the talks.

We will do everything to conclude an agreement because the lives of the abductees are at stake and the agreement will bring relief to the residents of Gaza. We believe there is an opportunity now. It is not only in the hands of the Israelis but also in the hands of the mediators and in the hands of Hamas.

Senior White House official: The conversation between Netanyahu and Biden lasted 30 minutes. She was involved in the kidnapping business. They went through all the clauses of the draft agreement one after the other. In the last day, the president and his advisers studied the reaction of Hamas. It is clear that Hamas' response moves the process forward and perhaps provides a basis for reaching an agreement.

Senior White House official: Biden and Netanyahu discussed issues that remain open and that need to be closed in order to reach an agreement. They also discussed the second phase of the deal. The conversation was detailed and encouraging.

We are aware that additional work is needed to reach a deal