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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday, July 22, 2024, for a high-stakes visit amid major political developments in the United States and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The trip comes just one day after President Joe Biden's surprise announcement that he would not seek re-election, adding a new layer of complexity to U.S.-Israel relations.
Before boarding his flight, Netanyahu acknowledged Biden's long career of public service. "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 as Senator, Vice President, and President," Netanyahu stated. He emphasized Israel's continued importance as a U.S. ally, regardless of who becomes the next president.
The Israeli leader is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, his fourth such address as prime minister. Netanyahu is expected to focus on the hostage situation in Gaza and regional security challenges. According to Yonatan Freeman, an international relations specialist at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, "Part of the goal [of the trip] is to try to show that with all that's been said, with all the protests, Netanyahu is still the leader, still has strong relations with America."
Netanyahu's visit occurs against the backdrop of mounting tensions with Washington over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The conflict, sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and saw 240 taken hostage, has resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health officials.
Recent developments have further complicated the situation. On July 22, the Israeli military ordered evacuations from parts of a designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, citing intelligence about Hamas infrastructure. Subsequent strikes on Khan Younis reportedly killed at least 49 people and wounded nearly 190 others, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
The trip also follows Friday's opinion by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which found Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories to be illegal. This ruling is likely to feature prominently in discussions between Netanyahu and U.S. officials.
Accompanying the prime minister are former Hamas hostages and family members of those still in captivity, including Noa Argamani, whose viral kidnapping video became emblematic of the October 7 attack. Their presence underscores the urgency of ongoing hostage negotiations.
As Netanyahu prepares for crucial meetings with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and congressional leaders, the visit represents a pivotal moment for U.S.-Israel relations and the future of the Gaza conflict. With protests planned and political uncertainty looming, the outcomes of this trip could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.
