U.S. officials are reportedly growing increasingly doubtful that President Joe Biden will be able to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas before the end of his term, despite repeated public assurances from the president that a deal could be imminent. According to sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal, private concerns are mounting within the administration that the prospect of a ceasefire is becoming more elusive due to entrenched disagreements between Israel and Hamas, as well as new challenges from other regional actors like Hezbollah and Iran.
The conflict, which escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, has led the Biden administration to engage in ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. However, Hamas has been resistant to negotiations, frequently setting new demands and then rejecting proposals even after adjustments are made. The U.S. has struggled to bridge the gap between the two sides, and some officials now believe that achieving a ceasefire during Biden’s tenure may be impossible.
Publicly, the administration has maintained that a ceasefire remains within reach. Senior officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, have emphasized that negotiations are ongoing, and the administration remains committed to securing the release of American hostages held by Hamas. However, the remaining unresolved issues — including whether Israeli forces will remain in Gaza post-conflict — are proving to be particularly difficult to resolve.
The situation has been further complicated by rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as the involvement of Iran. Recent Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions have led to warnings of retaliation, adding another layer of complexity to the broader conflict.
Despite Biden’s optimism earlier in the year, when he hinted that a ceasefire was closer than ever, U.S. officials now privately acknowledge that the chances of reaching a deal before the 2024 election are slim. With regional dynamics continuing to shift and the Biden administration’s influence over negotiations waning, the possibility of a ceasefire appears increasingly remote.
