Biden says he has not demanded Netanyahu hold off on ground invasion

President Biden on Wednesday said he did not demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold off on a ground invasion into Gaza until Hamas releases hostages.

Biden met with Netanyahu last week in Israel and has been speaking to him regularly since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 that killed more than 1,400 Israelis.

Biden told reporters during a press conference at the White House with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia that he hasn’t sought assurances from Netanyahu that he will hold off from a ground invasion until the safe release of hostages, while Israel is expected to launch an invasion after weeks of their aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

“No,” Biden said. “What I have indicated to him is that if that’s possible to get these folks out safely, that’s what he should do. It’s their decision but I did not demand it. I pointed out to him, if it’s real, it should be done.”

Two American hostages held by Hamas were released last week, and the White House has indicated a handful more are still being detained, while 10 Americans are unaccounted for.

When asked about the danger for hostages if there is a ground invasion, Biden added, “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.”

His response comes after reports indicating the Biden administration is encouraging the delay of a ground invasion in the hopes more hostages could be freed and humanitarian assistance could be let in.

Earlier this week, Biden left the door open to discussions over a cease-fire in the region but said that could only occur after hostages are released. White House spokesperson John Kirby on Wednesday said the U.S. has not set or discussed possible red lines with the Israelis over their offensive, maintaining it’s up to the Israeli military to determine if and when they should launch a ground offensive.

Biden has staunchly defended Israel’s right to respond to Hamas with force and that the U.S. will support the country, but also gradually has become more focused on the importance of protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.