Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked significant protests due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The scale of the protests, with thousands of demonstrators gathering in Washington, DC, to denounce Netanyahu’s visit and call for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza, underscores the public’s deep concern. The Israeli leader, who also plans to meet with former President Donald Trump, is facing condemnation over the devastating conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 39,000 Palestinians and created a humanitarian catastrophe.
Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of the US Congress drew criticism and boycotts from several lawmakers, as protesters urged the US government to reconsider its support for Israel and cut off military assistance. Despite the mounting pressure, the Biden administration has remained steadfast in its support for Israel, providing substantial military aid and diplomatic backing.
During the scheduled meeting at the White House, President Biden is expected to push Netanyahu to finalize a three-phase ceasefire deal with Hamas, which Biden initially proposed in May. The outcome of these talks could significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The talks with Netanyahu will also involve discussions about the American citizens held captive in Gaza, followed by a meeting with Vice President Harris, who has emerged as a prominent figure in the Democratic party following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
While Harris has expressed greater concern about the humanitarian toll in Gaza compared to other members of the administration, it is emphasized that there is a strong and unwavering unity between the president and vice president on the issue of Israel. The White House has indicated that Biden, who is not seeking re-election, will adopt a tougher stance with Netanyahu than in previous exchanges, as he seeks to secure a ceasefire deal as part of his legacy.
Former President Trump, a vocal supporter of Israel, remains influential as he is set to meet with Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu praised many of Trump’s actions during his time in office, highlighting the Trump-mediated Abraham Accords and other policies favourable to Israel. In response, Trump urged Israel to handle its public relations better and emphasized the need to bring a swift end to the conflict in Gaza.
