Joe Biden snaps at Israeli reporter over Gaza hostage deal question

Outgoing US President Joe Biden snapped at an Israeli TV reporter after being asked whether an agreement to release dozens of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza could be achieved before he leaves the White House in January 2025.

The exchange between the Israeli reporter and Biden occurred on Tuesday, just before the President was to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

"President Biden, do you think we can get a hostage deal by the end of your term?" asked Israeli Channel 13's Neria Kraus, prompting a quick reply.

"Do you think you can keep from getting hit in the head by a camera behind you?" Biden retorted.

Kraus captured Biden’s response on video, appearing to hold back a laugh as Biden moved the conversation to his upcoming meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whom he described as "a personal friend", according to the New York Post.

Biden’s reaction is part of a pattern where he has been seen getting irritated by reporters' questions.

For instance, in May, when asked if he would serve a full second term, Biden responded, “Did you fall on your head or something?”

He later announced on July 21 that he would not seek re-election. Vice President Kamala Harris filled in after Biden's exit.

Since October 7, Biden and his administration have worked to strike a deal to free hostages held by Hamas and to try to end the Israel-Hamas War. The White House had said that it hoped for a resolution of the hostage situation before the US presidential election on November 5, as it could ease some disagreements among progressive voters regarding the year-long war in West Asia.

Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations.

He stated on CBS’s "Face the Nation" that "Hamas has said no" to proposed deals and stressed the need for global pressure on Hamas to bring them to negotiate. He also noted that Israel was open to considering temporary steps if a deal could be achieved, reported the New York Post.

Last month, Israeli forces killed senior Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Rafah, Gaza, which Biden praised as removing a major barrier to peace efforts and releasing hostages.

Following Biden's meeting with Israeli President Herzog, the later emphasised the need to free the remaining hostages.

"In Gaza, we have 101 hostages. Over 400 days, I know, Mr President, that you are day-in, day-out, actively seeking their safe return home as they are going through hell in the dungeons of Gaza," Herzog said to Biden during the meeting, reported the New York Post.

Herzog also acknowledged Biden’s broader efforts for peace and stability in the region, adding, “Clearly, you’re thinking and working about the day after as well, which perhaps should be a trajectory of hope for the people of the region... But first and foremost, we have to get the hostages back home."