Image Credits: The New Yorker
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the White House this week for critical talks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and the ongoing Gaza conflict dominate the agenda.
President Biden, seeking a major diplomatic breakthrough, is calling for a three-step proposal to free the remaining Hamas prisoners in Gaza. The initiative represents a potentially legacy-defining moment for the 81-year-old president, who is looking to make significant progress on this vital issue before his term ends.
After the midday meeting, Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet with the families of the American hostages, underscoring the personal and humanitarian dimension of the ongoing conflict. Discussions are likely to focus on finalizing the details of the proposed agreement and addressing the wider implications of the conflict.
Vice President Harris will meet with Netanyahu separately later in the day to demonstrate his leadership ability and readiness for future roles. His commitment is being watched in particular by critics on the left who say the Biden administration has not done enough to pressure Netanyahu to end the war. Harris’ last one-on-one interaction with Netanyahu was in March 2021.
Another administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, assured reporters that “there is no daylight between the president and the vice president” about their position on Israel. This statement is intended to quell any speculation about possible disagreements within the administration on this issue.
The upcoming meetings are key to shaping the Gaza conflict and broader US-Israel relations. As Biden seeks to advance his proposal and Harris seeks to bolster his diplomatic credentials, the outcome of these discussions will likely affect both domestic and international perceptions of the U.S. approach to the ongoing crisis.