Remarks by President Biden After Marine One Arrival

South Lawn

9:24 A.M. EDT

Q    Mr. President — Mr. President —

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m heading to a national security meeting — I’m heading to a national security meeting right now and then going to Pittsburgh.  And so, checking on what — following up on what’s happening in Israel, and then I’ll be off to Pittsburgh.

Q    Are you planning to present a final hostage deal to the bo- — both sides this week?

THE PRESIDENT:  We’re very close to that.

Q    What makes you think that this deal will be successful in a way that the other deals were not?

THE PRESIDENT:  Hope springs eternal.

Q    Mr. President, do you think it’s time for Pr- — Prime Minister Netanyahu to do more on this issue?  Do you think he’s doing enough?

THE PRESIDENT:  No.

Q    Mr. President, what is your reaction to the demonstrations across Israel?  What is your reaction to the demonstrations?

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to get the detail when I walk in, and I’ll talk to you after that.  Okay?

Thank you.

(Cross-talk.)

Q    Do you have a message for the hostages’ families, sir?  Do you have a message for the hostages’ families, sir?

THE PRESIDENT:  Yes.  I’ve spoken to the American hostage — I spoke to his mom and dad.  And we’re not giving up.  We’re going to continue to push as hard as we can.

Thank you.

9:25 A.M. EDT