Former President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Mar-a-Lago on July 26, 2024. Photo: Israeli Government Press Office
In Summary:
1) Israeli PM Netanyahu concludes US trip by meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago
2) Visit marked by protests, diplomatic tensions, and discussions on Gaza ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded his contentious US visit with a meeting at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
This final stop followed Netanyahu’s encounters with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as an address to Congress.
The week-long trip was marred by widespread protests against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu’s visit aimed to bolster bipartisan support in the US, but it highlighted the complex political terrain he must navigate.
During the Mar-a-Lago meeting, Trump dismissed any notion of tension between them, stating, “We’ve always had a very good relationship.”
Former President Donald Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. IMAGE: Handout
This comes despite their relationship reportedly souring after Netanyahu acknowledged Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Netanyahu revealed plans to send a negotiating team to Rome to discuss a Gaza ceasefire proposal, saying, “I think there had been movement in efforts to forge a ceasefire because of Israeli military pressure.”
This announcement followed discussions with Biden on US-proposed ceasefire terms.
The Israeli leader’s US tour occurred against the backdrop of mounting casualties in Gaza, with Palestinian officials reporting over 39,000 deaths since the conflict began in October. Amnesty International warned the US about potential complicity in war crimes due to its weapons support for Israel.
Vice President Harris’s meeting with Netanyahu notably addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
She stated, “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering.”
Her comments drew swift criticism from Netanyahu’s far-right allies in Israel, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responding, “Madam candidate, there will be no cessation of hostilities.”
As Netanyahu returns to Israel, the diplomatic engagements in Washington and Florida underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Gaza war and US-Israel relations in an election year.