Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House on Thursday for separate meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The discussions centered around the ongoing war in Gaza and the potential for a cease-fire agreement. Netanyahu’s visit comes on the heels of a speech he gave to Congress, where he emphasized the need to find a resolution to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and left Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity.
During their meeting in the Oval Office, Biden reiterated his calls for both Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal that would bring the remaining hostages home. White House national security spokesman John Kirby stated that the negotiations are reaching the final stages, but there are still some unresolved issues. Kirby expressed confidence that with leadership and compromise, the gaps could be closed.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial office, where she also emphasized the importance of securing a deal to release the hostages. Thousands of people protested Netanyahu’s visit in Washington, and Harris condemned any violence or rhetoric that praised Hamas. Netanyahu, reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Biden, thanked the president for his service and support for Israel.
The release of the remaining hostages in Gaza has been proposed as a legacy-affirming achievement for Biden, who withdrew from his reelection bid and endorsed Harris. This resolution could also boost Harris’s credibility as a potential future president. Following their talks, Biden and Netanyahu met with the families of American hostages, underscoring the significance of finding a resolution to the conflict.
For Harris, the meeting with Netanyahu is an opportunity to demonstrate her capability as a commander in chief. She has faced criticism from both the political left, who believe Biden has not done enough to end the war, and Republicans seeking to question her support for Israel. However, a senior administration official emphasized that there is no difference in opinion between Biden and Harris regarding Israel.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, is navigating a delicate political situation. He faces pressure from hostage families demanding a cease-fire agreement, as well as far-right members of his coalition who advocate for the elimination of Hamas. In his speech to Congress, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions during the war and highlighted the shared interests between the United States and Israel in combating their common enemies.
Protests against Netanyahu’s visit took place near the White House, with chants calling for his arrest and effigies portraying him as responsible for bloodshed. On the other hand, a small number of counter-protesters wore Israeli flags. Former President Trump and his Republican allies criticized Harris for not attending Netanyahu’s address to Congress, but the White House attributed her absence to scheduling conflicts.
Harris has consistently expressed strong support for Israel throughout her political career. Her first overseas trip as a senator was to Israel, and she has been involved with pro-Israel groups such as AIPAC and J Street. While she has largely aligned with Biden’s stance on Israel during the conflict, there have been moments when she has advocated for a tougher approach to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.
Overall, the meetings between Netanyahu, Biden, and Harris represent a critical moment in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The discussions aim to secure a cease-fire agreement and bring an end to the war that has claimed numerous lives and caused immense suffering. The involvement of both Biden and Harris underscores the importance of finding a resolution and highlights the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Israel.
