Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on July 25, 2024, amid mounting pressure to end the nine-month-long Gaza conflict that has claimed over 39,000 Palestinian lives. The high-stakes meetings focused on efforts to secure a ceasefire, release hostages held by Hamas, and address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.Vice President Harris, who has been endorsed by Biden for the 2024 presidential nomination, took a notably firmer stance during her separate meeting with Netanyahu. Harris emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and end the conflict, stating, “I will not be silent” on the scale of human suffering in Gaza. This approach marks a potential shift in US policy towards Israel, with Harris striking a tougher tone than Biden has in recent months.The meetings came on the heels of Netanyahu’s controversial speech to the US Congress, which was met with protests and criticism. Outside the White House, demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to Netanyahu’s policies and the ongoing conflict.Netanyahu, facing pressure from both hostage families demanding action and far-right members of his coalition resisting compromises, thanked Biden for his long-standing support of Israel. However, tensions between the two leaders were evident, particularly regarding the high civilian death toll in Gaza and the pace of humanitarian aid delivery.As the US pushes for a three-phase plan to release the remaining hostages in Gaza, the outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the direction of the conflict and broader Middle East dynamics. With Harris potentially playing a more prominent role in shaping US foreign policy, her assertive stance on the Gaza issue may signal a new chapter in US-Israel relations.
Key points
- Netanyahu met with Biden and Harris amid pressure to end the Gaza conflict.
- Vice President Harris took a firmer stance on Gaza, emphasizing humanitarian concerns.
- The meetings focused on ceasefire efforts and hostage release negotiations.
- Harris’ assertive approach may signal a potential shift in US-Israel relations.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile some sources emphasize Harris’ firm stance on Gaza, others describe the conversation as ‘sincere and constructive’, suggesting potential discrepancies in the characterization of the meeting’s tone.
