Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Visits Washington Amid Continued Hamas Conflict
Netanyahu Rejects Permanent Cease-fire; Hamas Warns of Continued Fighting
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for meetings with President Joe Biden and other U.S. officials as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu's visit, his first to the United States since returning to office for a record sixth term, comes amid heightened tensions following recent airstrikes and rocket fire.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Netanyahu said that Israel would not agree to a permanent cease-fire with Hamas. "We will not accept a situation in which Hamas can continue to fire rockets at our civilians," he said. Hamas, for its part, has warned that continued fighting risks further escalation.
Biden Seeks to Broker Cease-fire
President Biden is expected to press Netanyahu for a cease-fire during their meeting on Wednesday. The Biden administration has been urging both sides to de-escalate the conflict and avoid further civilian casualties. However, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu will agree to a permanent truce at this time.
The visit comes as Netanyahu faces pressure from both within Israel and internationally to end the fighting. The Israeli opposition and some international leaders have called for an immediate cease-fire, while others have expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself.
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