Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington, D.C., in preparation for his upcoming address to Congress and his first meeting with President Biden on U.S. soil. The meeting comes after the recent conflict in Gaza, where Hamas, an Iran-backed terrorist group, carried out attacks resulting in casualties and hostages.
There are significant differences between the two leaders regarding Israel’s war goals in Gaza. Netanyahu aims to destroy Hamas as a military and political entity, secure the release of all hostages, and prevent future threats from Gaza. On the other hand, Biden is pushing for a cease-fire that Netanyahu believes does not address Israel’s security concerns adequately.
The visit has sparked mixed reactions among Israelis, with some expressing concerns about U.S. support for Israel in the region. Many believe that Israel is a critical ally in the fight against terrorism and should receive stronger backing from the U.S. Others are critical of Biden’s stance on the conflict and urge for more substantial support for Israel’s security needs.
On the eve of Netanyahu’s address to Congress, a group of Israeli officials and academics expressed “grave concerns” over the visit, citing Netanyahu’s political motivations and lack of a post-war plan. The letter emphasized the need for a decisive win against Hamas to ensure Israel’s security and the release of hostages.
Overall, the visit highlights the complex dynamics of Israel-American relations and the challenges both countries face in addressing security threats in the region. Netanyahu’s discussions with Biden are crucial in determining the future direction of the conflict and the relationship between the two nations.