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
