Janice R. Andrews
Denver, Colorado – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden on Thursday at the White House in a major diplomatic encounter. The talks focused on the relationship between the United States and Israel in the context of the current crisis in Gaza and the changing political climate in the US.
Hangout between Biden and Netanyahu
President Biden extended a warm welcome to Netanyahu and emphasised the two countries’ long-standing alliance. Good to see you again, Mr. Prime Minister. We have a lot to speak about,” Biden said, emphasising the significance of their exchanges.
Netanyahu agreed, thinking back on their association spanning several decades. Netanyahu emphasised the shared history by saying, “From a proud Jew Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and support for the state of Israel.”
Prominent American figures, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, attended the conference. Biden wanted to put pressure on Netanyahu to close gaps for a peace agreement in order to guarantee the release of Israeli hostages, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. “Compared to before, we are closer now,” Kirby said.
The meeting, which lasted for about an hour and a half, was the first in-person meeting since Biden declared he was withdrawing from the presidential race and supporting Harris.
Bringing optimism, both presidents also visited with American relatives of Israeli captives. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a relative of one of the hostages, stated, “We got absolute commitment from the Biden administration and from Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment.”
Diplomatic Initiative of Harris
Later, Biden’s running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, met with Netanyahu, highlighting her more vocal position on the humanitarian issue in Gaza. Regarding the civilian deaths and the demand for increased humanitarian help, Harris has been outspoken.
We are unable to turn a blind eye to these disasters. We cannot permit ourselves to grow indifferent to the pain. And I’m not going to be silent,” Harris said after her meeting with Netanyahu.
The Biden administration’s contradictory stance—supporting Israel’s right to self-defence but pushing for steps to lessen harm to civilians—was highlighted by Harris’ involvement. Harris underlined, “How it does so matters,” voicing her worries once more about the collateral harm in Gaza.
“With over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, what has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating,” she said, acknowledging the serious humanitarian catastrophe.
Harris spoke in favour of a two-state solution in response to demands for a cease-fire and peace in the Middle East. “I hear you, I see you,” she remarked, addressing peace-promoting organisations. She called for solidarity against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of hate, and she denounced violence and terrorism.
Address to Congress and Scheduled Events
The discussion at the White House came after Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress, praising Biden for his backing following the October 7 assaults and denouncing Hamas as “sheer evil.” Netanyahu praised Biden for his bold moves, including sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East to stop a bigger conflict and visiting Israel at a crucial time.
In his congressional speech, Netanyahu did not address Harris; instead, he praised former President Donald Trump for his steadfast support of Israel while in office. Netanyahu will meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, underscoring his need for political support in the United States throughout the crisis.
Military support and aid from the US
The United States has given Israel significant financial backing during the current conflict. A shipment of unguided bombs to Israel was put on hold by Biden in May due to concerns about their possible use against civilian targets. Congress cleared a $26 billion aid package for Israel in April, which included more than $9 billion for humanitarian help in Gaza and $4 billion to resupply Israel’s missile defence systems.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas in all respects, emphasising that “Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and its role in Gaza and bring all our hostages home.”
The discussions between Biden, Harris, and Netanyahu represent a turning point in US-Israeli ties. While Biden and Netanyahu reiterated their shared history and objectives, Harris’ participation brought attention to the pressing humanitarian issues and the necessity of a well-rounded strategy for bringing about peace in Gaza. Securing a peace agreement and resolving the humanitarian catastrophe that is hurting millions of people in Gaza remain the top priorities for diplomatic efforts.
