Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has departed Israel for Washington.
He is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden and deliver a politically precarious speech before Congress at a time of great uncertainty following Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race and amid domestic pressure on Israel’s leaders to reach a deal with Hamas for the release of the hostages held in Gaza.
The Israeli Prime Minister was accompanied on his trip by freed hostages and family members of those still captive in Gaza.
This includes some who have criticized the Prime Minister over the failures surrounding the October 7 terror onslaught but who believe their presence may pressure him into agreeing to a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Before boarding the newly ready Wing of Zion state airplane at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday, July 22, 2024, Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the 81-year-old president’s decision to stand down and said he intended to meet with him and thank him for more than 40 years of friendship.
“This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as Senator, Vice President and President,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu also disclosed that he plans to discuss with Biden “how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south.”
Standing on the airport tarmac, Netanyahu emphasized, “In this time of war and uncertainty, it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office shared some of Netanyahu’s comments on X, stating, “I am making a very important visit at a time when we are fighting on seven fronts and there is great political uncertainty in Washington.”
“I will address both houses of the US Congress for the fourth time as prime minister of Israel and emphasise the importance of bipartisan support for Israel,” Netanyahu’s office quoted him as saying.
Netanyahu’s highly-anticipated visit; full of meetings with top US officials and a prized address to Congress, will now undoubtedly be overshadowed by US President Joe Biden’s stunning decision to drop out of the presidential race. But as detailed ceasefire negotiations aimed at turning a framework agreement into a final deal stretch into their third week, Netanyahu’s visit will still be critical to the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel Remains US’ Most Important Ally In Middle East
Speaking to reporters before flying to Washington, DC, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel remains the US’s most important ally in the Middle East, regardless of who is elected President.
Appearing to set aside differences between himself and Biden, at least for the time being, Netanyahu stressed the importance of presenting a united front.
Netanyahu is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, as well as GOP nominee Donald Trump, although that meeting is yet to be confirmed.
READ ALSO: Minority MPs Demand Inquiry into Norwegian Para-Athletic Visa Scandal
