Overview of the situation - Netanyahu starts US visit amidst Biden retreat whirl
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Minister-President, is traveling to the United States today for an official visit amidst speculation about US President Joe Biden's decision to run for another term. It's still "too early" to say what the consequences of Biden's decision will be for Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip, quoted the "Washington Post" from a source in Netanyahu's office. According to Israeli media reports, the scheduled meeting with Biden for Tuesday is still planned.
Biden and Netanyahu last met in person in Tel Aviv in the fall, shortly after the Islamic Hamas committed a massacre in Israel on October 7, which triggered the Gaza War. According to media reports, the upcoming conversation with Biden is expected to focus mainly on efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Just before his departure, Netanyahu sent a delegation to Qatar.
Hostage negotiations to continue
There, the slow-moving indirect negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the USA, are expected to continue. According to analysts, the changing political wind in Washington could strengthen Netanyahu at a crucial moment in the negotiations, wrote the "Washington Post." US officials have acknowledged that Biden's recently increasing domestic political problems coincide with Netanyahu's hardening position.
Recently, Netanyahu, after the Hamas had shown some flexibility, made new demands - for example, the prolonged presence of Israeli troops at strategic locations in the Gazastrip. The talks have come to a standstill in recent days due to these new demands, according to the US newspaper. It was initially unclear whether Netanyahu had equipped his new delegation with a larger negotiating mandate.
Protests before Netanyahu's departure
On the eve of his departure for the USA, hundreds of Israelis demonstrated before Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The demonstrators called on Netanyahu not to travel until he signs an agreement for the release of the 120 hostages, reported the news portal "haaretz.com." The nephew of a hostage said: "Most citizens know that Netanyahu makes decisions based on his personal interests." They would recognize that he was sabotaging the indirect hostage negotiations.
Netanyahu governs in a coalition with ultra-religious and right-wing parties that reject concessions to Hamas and threaten to break up the government. In advance of scheduled elections, Netanyahu, according to polls, would have poor chances. His strained relationship with Biden has deteriorated significantly in recent months, as Israel faced numerous appeals from the White House to restrict humanitarian aid in Gaza and take more action to protect the civilian population.
In May, the US government halted a delivery of heavy bombs out of concern they could be used in populated areas. Critics accuse Netanyahu of dragging the war on for his own political advantage - a charge he denies. Netanyahu insists Israel must keep fighting until Hamas is completely destroyed, a goal even questioned within its own military. "Who believes we can eliminate Hamas? They're mistaken," Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said last month.
Netanyahu to Address US Congress
While leading figures in Israel, including President Isaac Herzog and Defense Minister Joav Galant, publicly thanked Biden for his support, there was initially no reaction from Netanyahu regarding Biden's withdrawal, according to the "Times of Israel." On Wednesday, Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech to both houses of the US Congress on Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has long been criticized for aligning himself with Republicans under Donald Trump, the "Washington Post" wrote.
The Israeli Air Force has once again attacked positions of the militia Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon following their bombardment. According to the Israeli army's announcement in the evening, a rocket launch site was bombed. Additionally, an observation post and "terror infrastructure" of Hezbollah were targeted. Further details were not provided. The information could not be independently verified. Previously, Hezbollah reportedly attacked the north of Israel with rockets and drones.
Israel and the Lebanese Shia militia have been engaging in near-daily battles since the start of the Gaza War. Intensity has recently increased significantly on both sides, resulting in casualties. The Hisbollah acts in solidarity with the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to their own statements. The conflict has been feared to spread for a long time.
- During his visit to Washington, Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Joe Biden, as reported by Israeli media.
- The "Washington Post" mentioned that the talks between Netanyahu's team and US officials are focusing on securing a ceasefire and hostage releases.
- The US, along with Qatar and Egypt, is mediating indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar, according to media reports.
- Netanyahu sent a delegation to Qatar before his trip to the United States to continue these negotiations.
- The delegation's negotiating mandate and the impact of Biden's political issues on the discussions are yet to be determined.
- Protestors in Tel Aviv called on Netanyahu to delay his trip until an agreement for hostage releases is signed.
- Netanyahu's coalition partners, rejecting concessions to Hamas, pose a potential threat to his government and his re-election chances.
- Israel's strained relationship with the White House over humanitarian aid in Gaza and protecting the civilian population has worsened in recent months.
