For Biden, Israel Hostage Deal Provides Reprieve From Political Pressure

NANTUCKET, Mass.—The Thanksgiving week deal between Israel and Hamas to secure a multiday pause in the fighting in Gaza to allow for the release of hostages, including Americans, provides President Biden with a reprieve from the pressure of Democrats urging a full cease-fire. But only a temporary one.

Biden was heavily involved in the agreement that came together after weeks of tense negotiations among the U.S., Qatar and Egypt and was approved by the Israeli cabinet following long deliberations. He called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu more than a dozen times, including this week, and was also personally in touch with other leaders as the talks progressed.