Netanyahu's Presence in Washington; Biden Sends Message, Kamala Harris Expresses Willingness to Meet

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, arrived in Washington, D.C. on Monday. According to the schedule, he will speak in the U.S. Congress on Wednesday and is expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, likely without meeting President Joe Biden. According to Kamala Harris's office, she will not attend Netanyahu's speech in Congress but will host him at the White House. Joe Biden, who is resting at his home in Delaware due to COVID-19, promised in a message to continue efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. In his first official remarks after withdrawing from the election race, he stated, 'I will work closely with Israelis and Palestinians to end the Gaza war and bring peace to the Middle East and return all hostages home.' Media had previously reported that Netanyahu would meet with Biden in the U.S., but this meeting has become uncertain due to the President's COVID-19 infection and his withdrawal from the November 2024 election race. Israel has requested the evacuation of parts of southern Gaza; the military claims Hamas has taken shelter in the 'humanitarian' area. The death of two more hostages in Hamas captivity has been reported, and clashes in Gaza continue. Netanyahu, on the brink of his trip to Washington, stated: 'Israel's enemies should know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always.' Netanyahu's office announced that the Israeli negotiating team will head to the location for resuming negotiations on Thursday. Israeli fighter jets attacked 'two military warehouses' of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.