Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for a series of high-level meetings, including one with President Joe Biden, as negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza continue.
Netanyahu’s trip coincides with intense negotiations aimed at turning a framework agreement into a final ceasefire deal. Senior U.S. officials are optimistic that an agreement is within reach, but questions still remain about Netanyahu’s willingness to conclude such a deal.
The Israeli leader also faces some very complex domestic political pressures. While the war has allowed him to defer accountability for the October 7 attacks and improved his party’s electoral prospects, his right-wing coalition partners have threatened to withdraw support if he agrees to end the war. Conversely, a growing segment of the Israeli public, led by families of hostages, is demanding a deal.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with President Biden will be their first face-to-face encounter since October. However, the tone may likely be more somber than their previous wartime meeting due to the latter’s recent decision to withdraw from the presidential race. This development may impact how Biden approaches discussions on Gaza and U.S. policy toward Israel, potentially giving him more freedom to pursue his policy goals without electoral constraints.
As negotiations continue, key issues remain unresolved, including control of the Philadelphi Corridor and Palestinian access to northern Gaza. Netanyahu’s public rhetoric has at times undermined confidence in Israel’s commitment to a deal, while his negotiating team has engaged in steady discussions with Hamas.
Meanwhile, many are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 39,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed. The U.S. has grown increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct in the war, even suspending some munitions shipments due to concerns about civilian casualties.
