The Ceasefire Dilemma: Navigating Pressure and Politics

In an unexpected speech last week, President Biden revealed the details of a secret proposal intended to end the war in Gaza. Perhaps the most surprising thing was where that proposal had come from.

Isabel Kershner, a reporter for The Times in Jerusalem, explains Mr. Biden’s gambit and the difficult choice it presents for Israel’s leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Guest: Isabel Kershner, who covers Israeli and Palestinian affairs for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Mr. Biden called for an end to the war in Gaza, endorsing an Israeli cease-fire proposal.
• Mr. Netanyahu answered the call for a truce by insisting on the “destruction” of Hamas.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.