President Joe Biden has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the ongoing hostage crisis involving Israeli citizens held by Hamas, and during a recent press briefing at the White House, he emphasized his concerns, suggesting that the Israeli leader is not doing enough to free the hostages still held.

The comments have sparked significant debate and public protests in both the United States and Israel, with the Biden-Harris administration questioning Netanyahu's priorities amid the ongoing conflict and the continued desire among many to secure the hostages' release, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The Biden administration is reportedly close to finalizing a ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

This proposal includes a key element -- the return of Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas. However, Biden has made it clear that he believes more could be done on Netanyahu's part to make this ceasefire a reality.

Netanyahu Faces Intense Criticism Amid Ongoing Conflict

Netanyahu's leadership has come under intense scrutiny, not only from international leaders but also from his own citizens.

Accusations have surfaced that Netanyahu is more concerned with maintaining his political standing than with ensuring the safe return of the hostages. These criticisms have only intensified following recent developments in the conflict.

In a significant development, six Israeli hostages, including an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were discovered dead just days ago.

The tragic discovery, believed to have occurred last Thursday or Friday, has heightened tensions and increased pressure on Netanyahu to act swiftly and decisively.

Protests Erupt in Israel, Ceasefire Demanded

The situation in Israel has become increasingly volatile, with protests breaking out across the country. Hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens have taken to the streets, demanding a ceasefire that would facilitate the return of the remaining 101 hostages. The protests have been a powerful demonstration of public sentiment, highlighting the growing frustration with Netanyahu's approach to the conflict.

In addition to domestic criticism, Netanyahu has also faced scrutiny from the United States. Biden's recent comments are not the first time the U.S. president has questioned Netanyahu's actions.

Earlier in June, Biden remarked that there was "every reason" to believe that Netanyahu was prolonging the war with Hamas, further complicating the already fraught relationship between the two leaders.

Biden and Harris Discuss Hostage Situation in High-Level Meeting

In response to the escalating crisis, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris convened a high-level meeting in the White House's Situation Room. The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by top advisers and focused on the current state of the conflict and potential next steps for the United States.

During the meeting, Biden reiterated his belief that Netanyahu must do more to ensure the safe return of the hostages. The discussions also reportedly included strategies for encouraging Netanyahu to take a more proactive approach in negotiating a ceasefire with Hamas.

Past Comments Reflect Ongoing Tensions

Biden's recent criticism of Netanyahu is consistent with his earlier statements regarding the Israeli Prime Minister's handling of the conflict with Hamas. The president has been openly critical of Netanyahu throughout the nearly 11-month war between Israel and Hamas, often expressing concerns that Netanyahu's actions may be exacerbating the situation rather than resolving it.

The ongoing tension between the two leaders underscores the complex and often strained relationship between the United States and Israel, particularly in times of conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely watching how both Biden and Netanyahu navigate these challenges.

Conclusion

The recent statements by President Biden reflect a growing frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the hostage crisis and the broader conflict with Hamas.

With public protests mounting in Israel and criticism intensifying both domestically and internationally, Netanyahu faces increasing pressure to prioritize the safe return of the hostages.

As Biden prepares to present a final ceasefire proposal, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the hostilities and secure the release of the remaining hostages.