Biden is expected to speak with Netanyahu on Thursday.

CNN
—

President Joe Biden Kerry spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss developments related to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, a White House official said.

The call came as Israel and Hamas were attacking each other. It seems they are close to reaching a framework agreement. An Israeli source familiar with the negotiations told CNN that negotiations are ongoing between the two sides to reach an agreement. Hamas recently submitted a response to the framework to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, a move that Israeli officials believe will enable the two sides to enter into detailed negotiations to reach an agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalized and cannot be guaranteed.

A senior administration official said the call lasted 30 minutes and “focused” on the details of the hostage deal and the ceasefire, adding that Biden would have “the opportunity” to discuss the deal with other world leaders next week at a NATO summit in Washington.

Israel and Hamas appear to be close to reaching a framework agreement for a deal, an Israeli source familiar with the negotiations told CNN earlier. Hamas recently submitted a response to the framework to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, a move Israeli officials believe will enable the two sides to enter into detailed negotiations for an agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalized and cannot be guaranteed.

The official also added that there appeared to be a “high chance” of an agreement on a hostage deal by all groups involved.

Asked whether the administration believes Netanyahu is playing politics and could try to sabotage the deal, the official said the agreement is structured in a way that “fully protects Israel’s interests.”

The official said that the hostage talks are expected to be held in Doha starting Friday and continue over the next few days.

In a statement issued by the White House, Biden and Netanyahu discussed “ongoing efforts to complete a ceasefire agreement with the release of hostages.”

The White House said that “the two leaders discussed the recent response received by Hamas,” adding that “the president welcomed the prime minister’s decision to allow his negotiators to engage with American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators in an effort to complete the deal.”

The White House, which also announced a July 15 meeting between the two leaders’ national security teams, wrote that Biden “reaffirmed his strong commitment to Israel’s security.”

CNN Previously mentioned The United States recently proposed new language to help bridge the gaps in the discussions on reaching an agreement. The proposed language focused on a period in the first phase of the proposal when Israel and Hamas are expected to hold further negotiations with the aim of moving to the second phase of the agreement.

A US official said the response appeared constructive, but more work needed to be done.

The Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, told CNN that Netanyahu will hold a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.

Biden and Netanyahu last spoke on May 6. The two men are expected to meet in Washington in several weeks when the Israeli prime minister visits Congress, a source familiar with the matter previously told CNN’s MJ Lee. The source said US and Israeli officials are still working out the logistical details of the Biden-Netanyahu meeting, which will likely take place at the White House. The two leaders will meet in person, barring a last-minute change in circumstances.

This call also comes as Biden prepares to fighting for his political survival Biden returned to the White House after stumbling on the debate stage against former President Donald Trump last week. Biden’s handling of the conflict between Israel and Hamas remains a major issue of concern for many in the Democratic Party, including younger voters.

This story has been updated with additional developments.