US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, pushing for a cease-fire deal after nearly seven-months of war in Gaza.

“We are determined to get a cease-fire that brings the hostages home and to get it now, and the only reason that that wouldn’t be achieved is because of Hamas,” Blinken told the press following his meeting with Herzog.

“There is a proposal on the table, and as we’ve said, no delays, no excuses. The time is now.”

CNN reports that the current round of talks appears to be serious, but the sides remain far apart on one key issue—whether the war should end as part of an emerging deal. The proposal, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, would involve the release of less than forty hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of dangerous Arab prisoners held by Israel.

Hamas has demanded assurances that any agreement will bring a complete end to the war in Gaza and a complete withdrawal of its troops from the territory. However, Israel is only offering a an initial six-week cease-fire with the possibility of an extension if more hostages are released, according to the report.

Blinken’s visit to Israel is part of a broader diplomatic mission to the Middle East, which has also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where he urged Hamas to accept Israel’s “generous” proposal.