Netanyahu Faces Pressure in Washington Over Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington amid mounting pressure to end the Gaza war. His visit aims to reset relations with the U.S. and address the volatile Middle East situation. Protests against Israel's offensive in Gaza are expected, and Netanyahu faces strong criticism both internationally and domestically.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Washington this week, under significant pressure to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This pressure comes not only from Israelis demanding the return of hostages but also from the U.S. administration, which is increasingly focused on the upcoming presidential election.

This marks Netanyahu's first visit to his most critical international ally since he returned for a record sixth term as prime minister at the end of 2022. The visit has been overshadowed by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek reelection. A tentative meeting with Biden is scheduled for Tuesday, depending on Biden's recovery from Covid-19. Netanyahu is also slated to address the U.S. Congress on Wednesday.

The visit provides Netanyahu an opportunity to attempt a reset in relations with Washington, following months of frosty relations over Israel's Gaza offensive. His speech to Congress is expected to focus on coordinating the Israeli and U.S. response to the volatile Middle East situation, where there is a growing risk of the Gaza conflict spilling over into a wider regional war.

Unlike his confrontational 2015 address, Netanyahu's upcoming speech is expected to be more conciliatory, aiming to strengthen ties between Israel and the U.S. Recent U.S. pressure on Israel to resume political talks with the Palestinians and threats to withhold arms have highlighted perceived weakening of ties under Netanyahu's leadership. He has also faced domestic protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, stated, "Part of the goal is to show that despite all the protests, Netanyahu remains a strong leader with robust American support." The invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress, a rare honor for close U.S. allies, was orchestrated by the House of Representatives' Republican leadership, who have accused Biden of insufficient support for Israel.

Despite a warm reception in Congress, demonstrations against Israel's Gaza offensive are expected outside official Washington, including at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. Police are making additional security arrangements in anticipation of a large number of demonstrators.

Israel has faced international isolation over its Gaza campaign, settlement-building in the West Bank, and attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians. The International Court of Justice recently declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal, a decision criticized by Washington. This follows the International Criminal Court seeking an arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces increasing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to secure the return of 120 hostages held by Hamas. He has resisted an inquiry into the security failures before the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Opinion polls show most Israelis hold Netanyahu accountable and would vote him out of office if elections were held today. Netanyahu will be accompanied by Noa Argamani, a recently rescued hostage, a move criticized by other hostage families who feel neglected.

(Additional reporting by Emily Rose, Editing by Timothy Heritage)

(With inputs from agencies.)