
Issues discussed in the Biden-Netanyahu meeting
Last Updated on July 26, 2024 9:03 am
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting.
An immediate ceasefire in Gaza was discussed during the meeting on Thursday, according to a statement from the White House.
According to reports, the meeting was held a day after Netanyahu’s address to the US Congress. Thousands of people demonstrated in support of Palestine outside the White House during the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Biden welcomed Netanyahu and said, “Welcome back Mr. Prime Minister, we have a lot to talk about.” We should start now.’
In response, Netanyahu said, “On behalf of a proud Jewish Zionist, as a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of national service and 50 years of supporting the State of Israel.” I look forward to discussing today and working with you on important issues in the coming months.”
Netanyahu said that he has known the US president for almost 40 years. And the US President jokingly said that the first Israeli Prime Minister he met was Golda Meir.
US Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in a statement that the meeting discussed issues such as the ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, the spread of the conflict in Lebanon, and the threat of Iran.
Kirby also said that the distance between US-Israel relations that was being created is no longer there. That does not mean that the two countries will agree on everything.
After the meeting with Biden, Netanyahu also met with US Vice-President Kamala Harris. In addition, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet former US President and Republican candidate in the next election Donald Trump on Friday.
Biden has previously warned that his country will cut off arms aid to Israel if Israel launches a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah.
The Israel-Gaza war has been going on for 9 months. The Israeli Prime Minister is under international pressure to stop the war. In this context, Netanyahu visited America last Monday.