Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, marking their first face-to-face encounter since Netanyahu’s return to office in late 2022. This high-profile visit comes amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict, which has persisted for over nine months.Netanyahu’s trip to Washington has garnered significant attention and controversy. He is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, July 24, making him the first foreign leader to do so four times, surpassing even Winston Churchill. The speech and meeting with Biden are expected to focus on several critical issues, including efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and Israel’s military actions in the region.The visit has faced criticism within Israel, with protesters demanding that Netanyahu postpone his trip until an agreement on the hostages’ release has been reached. This domestic pressure adds to the already strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, which has been exacerbated by concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and recent disagreements over US arms shipments to Israel.The Biden administration, along with partners in Qatar and Egypt, has been pushing for a ceasefire and working to restart negotiations between Israel and Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that a cease-fire deal is close but still faces some challenges.As Netanyahu prepares for this crucial diplomatic engagement, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential impact on regional stability and the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the direction of the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Key points
- Netanyahu to meet Biden on July 23, 2024, their first meeting since Netanyahu’s return to office.
- Netanyahu will address US Congress on July 24, becoming the first foreign leader to do so four times.
- The visit focuses on Gaza ceasefire efforts and hostage release negotiations.
- Tensions exist between Biden and Netanyahu over Gaza civilian casualties and arms shipments.
Contradictions👾Some sources indicate the meeting is on Tuesday, while others suggest it’s on Monday.
The majority of sources point to Tuesday as the meeting date.
