Israel confirmed President Biden's speech on Friday described "in general" the Israeli proposal for ahostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza but emphasized Israel can resume fighting if it thinks Hamas violates the deal at any point.
Why it matters: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his aides are focusing on the aspects of the potential deal that are more favorable to Israel as the prime minister faces opposition to the proposal that could threaten the future of his coalition.
President Biden's boldest attempt yet to push for a hostage deal and an end to the war in Gaza now hinges on whether Hamas leaders will return to negotiations and reach a deal.
Why it matters: Israeli and U.S. officials saidthe latest Israeli proposal Biden presented in a speech on Friday has likely exhausted Israel's room for compromise and flexibility.
President Biden laid out a plan to reach a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas and end the war in Gaza in a speech on Friday, offering details of the Israeli proposal for the first time.
Why it matters: Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas reached a deadlock three weeks ago. Biden, CIA Director Bill Burns, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and other senior U.S. officials have been personally involved in efforts to reach a breakthrough, but a deal remains elusive.
Most Western leaders have now given Ukraine permission to use advanced long-ranged weapons they've provided to strike targets in Russia, fulfilling a request Kyiv asked for weeks ago.
Why it matters: The move greatly increases Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia's ongoing, unprovoked invasion, as Russia has exploited the West's embargo by organizing troops and equipment near Ukraine's border but out of range of more traditional weapons.
Former President Trump declared himself a "very innocent man" on Thursday and said the U.S. has "has gone to hell" after becoming the first American president to be convicted of a felony.
The big picture: Trump joins a long list ofleaders across at least 78 countries who, since 2000, have left office and been jailed or prosecuted — including in democracies like France, Israel and South Korea.
