Trump and Netanyahu to meet at Mar-a-Lago as Israeli leader finishes U.S. visit.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump are set to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, following Netanyahu’s recent meetings with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington. Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. capital this week aimed to garner continued support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, a situation that has drawn international attention and concern.

During her meeting with Netanyahu, Vice President Harris expressed a firm stance on addressing the human suffering in Gaza, emphasizing the need to end the ongoing conflict while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense and the importance of bringing back hostages held by Hamas. “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering,” Harris stated after her talks with Netanyahu.

The Biden administration has been urging Netanyahu to consider a cease-fire deal with Hamas to halt the hostilities, but negotiations have hit obstacles with Israel introducing new terms that could complicate reaching a resolution. These discussions come at a critical time as efforts are being made to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.

Though it is uncommon for a foreign leader to meet with a presidential candidate not currently occupying the White House, Netanyahu and Trump have a history of meetings, having met during Trump’s time in office. Netanyahu’s recent visit to Mar-a-Lago underscores a diplomatic engagement that transcends election cycles, reflecting the enduring ties between Israel and the United States.

Addressing Congress earlier in the week, Netanyahu emphasized the need for unity against threats posed by Iran’s influence in the region, casting the conflict as a battle between civilizations. He called for solidarity between America and Israel in the face of challenges that jeopardize peace and security in the Middle East, underscoring the shared values that bind the two nations. Amidst Netanyahu’s speech, protests erupted near Union Station, with individuals expressing support for Palestine through graffiti and destruction of American symbols.

Referring to the pro-Hamas demonstrations, Vice President Harris condemned the actions, denouncing any association with the terrorist organization and reiterating the need to uphold values of tolerance and respect. As tensions persist in the region, the international community watches closely for developments that could impact the trajectory of the conflict and prospects for a lasting resolution.