LIVE: White House briefing with Karine Jean-Pierre, Jake Sullivan | REUTERS

US-Israel Relations

• The US aims for a temporary pause in fighting as part of a hostage deal with Hamas, with the goal of building towards a more enduring peace.
• The ultimate objective is to defeat Hamas, achieve peace and security for Gaza and Israel, and work towards a two-state solution with guaranteed Israeli security.
• The White House is engaging in intensive discussions with the Israeli government to develop a credible and implementable plan to avoid civilian casualties in Rafah.
• The plan should address the safety and well-being of over a million people in a small area, ensure the sustained delivery of aid, and consider the concerns of Egypt regarding the situation on the border.
• The US cannot confirm a Wall Street Journal report about the US investigating the potential use of white phosphorus by Israel in Lebanon.
• A shipment of flour to Gaza has not moved as expected, and the US is pressing Israel to follow through on its commitment to get it there.
• The US is concerned about the possibility of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah and is working to ensure Israel's security while minimizing the threat from Hezbollah.
• President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu over the weekend, advocating for progress on a hostage deal and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
• Hamas is also responsible for the safety of civilians and should be held accountable for embedding itself among them.
• The US believes a hostage deal can be reached and is pushing for it, despite the Israeli Prime Minister's decision not to send a delegation to Cyprus for talks.
• The US is focused on the welfare and well-being of American citizens in Gaza and the West Bank and is engaging with the Israeli government on cases of US citizens killed or detained.
• The US is concerned about Prime Minister Netanyahu's history of meddling in American politics and is assessing whether he is operating in good faith.

Foreign Policy

• The Biden administration does not support a warrant requirement for every query of bulk-collected data under FISA, as it undermines the purpose of FISA and puts victims at risk.
• There is ongoing review of China under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, but no specific timeline for a decision was provided.
• The US government is aware of a scientific study that suggests a coronavirus variant killed 100% of humanized mice, raising concerns about Chinese lab safety.
• The US remains vigilant about biosafety and biosecurity practices in various countries, including China, to protect American interests.
• The transition of the US and ROK nuclear conservative groups from the National Security Council to the Ministry of Defense was directed by the two presidents and aims to enhance security and extended deterrence in the US-ROK alliance.
• The US position on supporting Israel's right to defend itself within international humanitarian law remains unchanged, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives in Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid.
• The White House condemned former President Trump's comments about NATO as appalling and dangerous to American national security and global stability.
• The White House referred questions about candidate Trump's proposal for a tiered alliance at NATO and the difference between Trump and Biden's foreign policies to Jake Sullivan's previous comments.
• The State Department should be contacted for more information on Secretary Blinken's phone call with Paul Whelan, but the White House remains committed to securing the release of Whelan and Evan.
• The White House has made offers in the past to secure the release of Whelan and Evan, but those offers were not taken seriously by Russia.

Domestic Policy

• The Biden administration rejects the idea of treating foreign aid as loans, particularly in cases of humanitarian assistance, countries fighting for survival like Ukraine, and funding for Israel's security.
• The US believes that the supplemental budget advances the security and values of the United States.
• The White House believes the impeachment case against Secretary Mayorkas is baseless and shameful, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation on border security and immigration reform.
• Speaker Johnson's request for a one-on-one meeting with President Biden is seen as unnecessary given recent bipartisan negotiations and the President's efforts to secure national security funding.
• House Republicans are accused of prioritizing politics over national security by blocking bipartisan legislation and aligning with former President Trump's agenda.
• The White House believes that the Speaker of the House is confused about his job and should put the National Security Supplemental bill on the floor for a vote, as it would pass with bipartisan support.
• The White House is still open to conversations about border and immigration issues, but House Republicans are not interested in meaningful policy changes and have sided with Donald Trump and fentanyl traffickers.
• President Biden will visit East Palestine, Ohio, on Friday at the invitation of the mayor. He will receive a briefing, hear from community members, and ensure that Norfolk Southern is held accountable.
• The White House is concerned about the conspiracy theory that Taylor Swift helped President Biden win the election, especially since many