2024 visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States

2024 visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States
DateJuly 22–27, 2024 (2024-07-22 – 2024-07-27)
LocationWashington, D.C., United States
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In July 2024, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, D.C. to hold meetings with senior officials and deliver a speech to the United States Congress.

Due to Israel's handling of the ongoing Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. was met with both political backlash and support. His speech was boycotted by 92 U.S. lawmakers, including 89 Democrats and 1 Republican, citing various political criticisms. The address was also met by thousands of Pro-Palestinian protestors. Conversely, many Democratic and Republican politicians showcased their support for Netanyahu and Israel during the address.[1][2]

The visit was cut short by a few hours due to the Majdal Shams attack.[3]

Background

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Following the start of Israel-Hamas war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have received criticism for their handling of the war. By the time of Netanyahu's visit to the United States, more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed,[4] leading to accusations of genocide. In May 2024, Karim Ahmad Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, announced his intentions to apply an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.[5]

In response to news of the pending arrest warrant, many U.S. politicians, both Republican and Democratic, reiterated their support of Netanyahu and Israel. On May 31, Mike Johnson, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, and Hakeem Jeffries all formally invited Netanyahu to speak before Congress.[6]

Public protests

[edit]

Ahead of and during Netanyahu's U.S. visit, thousands of anti-war and Pro-Palestine protestors marched across the Washington D.C.[7] The protests led to 23 arrests.[7]

Protesters at Washington Union Station removed 3 American Flags and replaced them with Palestinian flags during the address.[8] Other incidents involved the burning of American Flags, and the use of Hamas slogans, such as “Qassam, Qassam, make us proud,” cheering the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is Hamas’s military wing.[9]

A group called Palestinian Youth Movement released a video to social media showing hundreds of maggots and crickets crawling on a conference table at the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu was staying. In addition to the maggots seen on the video, the group claimed that the bugs were released in multiple floors. In the video, fire alarms can be heard in the background which the group claimed were set off to ensure that Netanyahu had "no peace".[10]

Netanyahu's Address to Congress

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2024 Benjamin Netanyahu Address to U.S. Congress
DateJuly 24, 2024 (2024-07-24)
Time2:00 p.m. (EST)
VenueHouse Chamber, United States Capitol
LocationWashington, D.C.
FootageC-SPAN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Ben Cardin

Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. His speech lasted about 52 minutes.[11]

Before the address, Netanyahu exchanged gifts with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a customary tradition.[12] Johnson gifted Netanyahu a collection of documents and letters, including a letter written by Benzion Netanyahu, Netanyahu's father, to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower; as well as a note-card from U.S. President Gerald Ford. Netanyahu gifted Johnson a shrapnel sculpture of a dove flying over the state of Israel.[12]

During his speech, Netanyahu vowed to press forward with the war until reaching "total victory", but stated he would agree to a cease-fire if specific conditions were met. Netanyahu portrayed the war as “clash between barbarism and civilization”, attacked anti-war protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots”[13] and likened the slogan "Gays for Gaza" to "Chickens for KFC."[14] He also praised U.S. President Joe Biden.[15]

Netanyahu received a nearly eight-minute standing ovation upon arrival, and nearly 50 standing ovations during the speech.[16][17]

Claims

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During the speech, Netanyahu made several false or misleading statements.[18][19] Netanyahu said "If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren't getting enough food, it's not because Israel is blocking it. It's because Hamas is stealing it".[19] Additionally, Netanyahu claimed that during the Rafah invasion, there were "practically no civilian deaths" during several of the IDF's operations, that the war had "one of the lowest ratios of combatants to non-combatant casualties in the history of urban warfare," and "Iran is funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America." Furthermore Netanyahu said the ICC’s allegation that Israel is starving people of Gaza is "utter, complete nonsense" and a "fabrication." These claims have been disputed by the media, UN, experts and various NGO's working on the ground.[20][21]

Arrests

[edit]

Six guests were arrested during the speech, and charged with disrupting congress, for removing outer layers of clothing to expose t-shirts with the message "SEAL THE DEAL NOW", advocating for Israel to reach a ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal.[22] The guests were all family members of individuals who are being held captive by Hamas.[23]

Reactions

[edit]

Netanyahu's speech drew mixed reactions.[24]

Democratic Representative and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who did not attend the speech, attacked Netanyahu's speech, calling it "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States." Pelosi reiterated her support of Israel, while criticizing Netanyahu and calling for a ceasefire.[25]

Following the speech, Democratic Representatives Adam Schiff and Jimmy Gomez, who both attended, called on Netanyahu to resign.[24]

Republican reception to the speech was generally positive.[24] However, The American Conservative was critical, with Bradley Devin writing "While Americans have long sought a way out of the Middle East, Netanyahu seems keen on keeping America in."[26]

Congressional boycotts, protests, and absences

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Boycotts

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Ahead of Netanyahu's address, many Congressional Representatives and several Senators announced their intentions to boycott the address.[27][28]

Eventually 92 lawmakers boycotted the address as a form of protest. The list includes 89 Democrats, 2 Independents (Angus King and Bernie Sanders), and 1 Republican (Thomas Massie).

List of politicians who boycotted Netanyahu's Congressional address
U.S. Senators
  1. Laphonza Butler (D–CA)[29]
  2. Ben Cardin (D–MD)[29]
  3. Tom Carper (D–DE)[29]
  4. Tammy Duckworth (D–IL)[29]
  5. Dick Durbin (D–IL)[27]
  6. Martin Heinrich (D–NM)[29]
  7. Mazie Hirono (D–HI)[29]
  8. Angus King (I–ME)[29]
  9. Ben Ray Lujan (D–NM)[29]
  10. Ed Markey (D–MA)[30]
  11. Jeff Merkley (D–OR)[31]
  12. Patty Murray (D–WA)[27]
  13. Jack Reed (D–RI)[29]
  14. Bernie Sanders (I–VT)[32]
  15. Brian Schatz (D–HI)[28]
  16. Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH)[29]
  17. Chris Van Hollen (D–MD)[33]
  18. Elizabeth Warren (D–MA)[34]
  19. Peter Welch (D–VT)[35]
  20. Sheldon Whitehouse (D–RI)[29]
  21. Ron Wyden (D–OR)[29]
U.S. Representatives
  1. Becca Balint (D–VT)[36]
  2. Nanette Barragan (D–CA)[29]
  3. Ami Bera (D–CA)[27]
  4. Don Beyer (D–VA)[27]
  5. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D–DE)[29]
  6. Suzanne Bonamici (D–OR)[29]
  7. Jamaal Bowman (D–NY)[27]
  8. Cori Bush (D–MO)[37]
  9. Andre Carson (D–IN)[29]
  10. Greg Casar (D–TX)[38]
  11. Joaquín Castro (D–TX)[39]
  12. Judy Chu (D–CA)[29]
  13. Jim Clyburn (D–SC)[40]
  14. Steve Cohen (D–TN)[40]
  15. Madeleine Dean (D–PA)[29]
  16. Diana DeGette (D–CO)[29]
  17. Suzan DelBene (D–WA)[29]
  18. Mark DeSaulnier (D–CA)[29]
  19. Rosa DeLauro (D–CT)[29]
  20. Debbie Dingell (D–MI)[29]
  21. Lloyd Doggett (D–TX)[27]
  22. Veronica Escobar (D–TX)[29]
  23. Anna Eshoo (D–CA)[29]
  24. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D–NM)[29]
  25. Valerie Foushee (D–NC)[29]
  26. Maxwell Frost (D–FL)[41]
  27. Ruben Gallego (D–AZ)[29]
  28. John Garamendi (D–CA)[29]
  29. Chuy Garcia (D–IL)[29]
  30. Robert Garcia (D–CA)[42]
  31. Al Green (D–TX)[43]
  32. Raul Grijalva (D–AZ)[29]
  33. Chrissy Houlahan (D–PA)[29]
  34. Jared Huffman (D–CA)[27]
  35. Sara Jacobs (D–CA)[44]
  36. Pramila Jayapal (D–WA)[45]
  37. Hank Johnson (D–GA)[27]
  38. Ro Khanna (D–CA)[27]
  39. Rick Larsen (D–WA)[29]
  40. Barbara Lee (D–CA)[27]
  41. Summer Lee (D–PA)[29]
  42. Zoe Lofgren (D–CA)[29]
  43. Stephen Lynch (D–MA)[27]
  44. Thomas Massie (R–KY)[46]
  45. Doris Matsui (D–CA)[29]
  46. Betty McCollum (D–MN)[27]
  47. Jim McGovern (D–MA)[47]
  48. Kweisi Mfume (D–MD)[29]
  49. Gwen Moore (D–WI)[29]
  50. Kevin Mullin (D–CA)[29]
  51. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D–NY)[48]
  52. Ilhan Omar (D–MN)[49]
  53. Nancy Pelosi (D–CA)[40]
  54. Mary Peltola (D–AK)[29]
  55. Chellie Pingree (D–ME)[29]
  56. Mark Pocan (D–WI)[50]
  57. Katie Porter (D–CA)[29]
  58. Ayanna Pressley (D–MA)[51]
  59. Delia Ramirez (D–IL)[27]
  60. Jan Schakowsky (D–IL)[27]
  61. Adam Smith (D–WA)[29]
  62. Melanie Stansbury (D–NM)[29]
  63. Mark Takano (D–CA)[27]
  64. Mike Thompson (D–CA)[29]
  65. Bennie Thompson (D–MS)[40]
  66. Jill Tokuda (D–HI)[29]
  67. Paul Tonko (D–NY)[29]
  68. Lori Trahan (D–MA)[29]
  69. Gabe Vasquez (D–NM)[29]
  70. Nydia Velázquez (D–NY)[52]
  71. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D–NJ)[27]

Protests by members of congress

[edit]

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian-American, attended the address. For several minutes during Netanyahu's address, Tlaib held up a sign that read "WAR CRIMINAL" on one side and "GUILTY OF GENOCIDE" on the other.[53]

Absences not intended to be a protest

[edit]

Democratic US Vice President Kamala Harris (the ex-officio President of the United States Senate) and Republican Senator JD Vance did not attend the address. However, their absences were not explicit political protests, with both citing prior engagements. Harris stated her absence was due to her campaigning for President in the 2024 election, and she privately met with Netanyahu later. Vance similarly cited his campaign duties as Donald Trump's running mate in election. Both reiterated their support for Israel in spite of their absence.[15]

Senator Robert Menendez was convicted of bribery the week before the address and announced his resignation from the Senate the day before the address. Although officially still a Senator until the resignation became effective a month later, Menendez had not been in Washington between the conviction and the address.[54]

Congressmembers Emanuel Cleaver, Dwight Evans,[55] and Bill Pascrell were unable to attend due to medical reasons, with Cleaver having tested positive for COVID-19.[29] Senator Tim Kaine stated that he was unable to attend, due to a previously scheduled commitment in Virginia.[27]

Other meetings

[edit]
White House meeting between Vice President Harris and Prime Minister Netanyahu on July 25.

Despite Harris' absence at the congressional address, Netanyahu held a private meeting with her during his visit. During the visit, Harris reportedly pressed Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire.[56]

Netanyahu also announced plans to meet with Former U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit; Trump is also the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election.[57]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Live Updates: Biden says nation's democracy lies in hands of voters, explains why he ended 2024 bid". The Associated Press. 24 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit". The Associated Press. 23 July 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  3. ^ Margulies, Joanie; Brinn, David (27 July 2024). "PM Netanyahu to return to Israel early following Majdal Shams rocket fatalities". Jerusalem Post.
  4. ^ "United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory | Reported impact snapshot | Gaza Strip (17 July 2024)". United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - occupied Palestinian territory. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  5. ^ Ray, Siladita (20 May 2024). "ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants For Benjamin Netanyahu And Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar". Forbes.
  6. ^ Carney, Jordain (31 May 2024). "Hill leaders officially invite Netanyahu to speak before Congress". Politico.
  7. ^ a b "U.S. flag set ablaze, 23 arrested as thousands protest Netanyahu's D.C. visit". The Washington Post. 24 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Live Updates: Biden says nation's democracy lies in hands of voters, explains why he ended 2024 bid". The Associated Press. 24 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Anti-Israel Protesters Make Netanyahu's Point". The Wall Street Journal. 25 July 2024.
  10. ^ Cunningham, Mary; Dev, S. (24 July 2024). "Maggots and other bugs released at Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu is staying during his D.C. visit". CBS News.
  11. ^ Edwards, Christian (25 July 2024). "Families of hostages held in Gaza slam Netanyahu for leaving ceasefire deal out of Congress speech". CNN.
  12. ^ a b Schnell, Mychael (24 July 2024). "Memorable moments from Netanyahu's address to Congress". The Hill.
  13. ^ Karni, Annie; Green, Erica L. (24 July 2024). "Netanyahu Offers Full-Throated Defense of Gaza War". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
  14. ^ Walker, Jackson (24 July 2024). "Netanyahu likens 'Gays for Gaza' to 'Chickens for KFC' in speech to Congress". WPMI. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  15. ^ a b Schnell, Mychael (24 July 2024). "Memorable moments from Netanyahu's address to Congress". The Hill.
  16. ^ Hoffman, Maayan (25 July 2024). "Analysis: Netanyahu's Congress Address Receives Applause, Praise But 'Substance-Free'". The Media Line.
  17. ^ Paris, Gilles; Imbert, Louis (25 July 2024). "US Congress divided over Netanyahu's Washington speech". Le Monde.
  18. ^ Kellman, Laurie (24 July 2024). "FACT FOCUS: A look at Netanyahu's claims about Israel, Hamas and Iran during his speech to Congress". Associated Press.
  19. ^ a b Flaherty, Anne; Martinez, Luis; Sarnoff, Leah (24 July 2024). "Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress". ABC.
  20. ^ Saifi, Zeena (24 July 2024). "Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  21. ^ "Fact-checking Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims in his address to Congress". PBS News. 24 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  22. ^ Khalil, Ashraf; Richer, Alanna Durkin (24 July 2024). "Thousands fill Washington's streets to protest Israel's war in Gaza during Netanyahu visit". AP.
  23. ^ Solender, Andrew (27 July 2024). "Six spectators charged for "disrupting" Netanyahu speech". Axios.
  24. ^ a b c Harter, Clara (24 July 2024). "Netanyahu's address divides California's congressmembers, sparks protest". Los Angeles Daily News.
  25. ^ Robertson, Nick (24 July 2024). "Pelosi says Netanyahu gave 'the worst' speech to Congress from any foreign leader". The Hill.
  26. ^ Devin, Bradley (24 July 2024). "Netanyahu: Time for a Mideast NATO?". The American Conservative.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Who are the lawmakers boycotting Netanyahu's address to Congress today?". The Independent. 24 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  28. ^ a b Bohannon, Molly. "Who Is Skipping Netanyahu's Congress Address? Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi And Other Big Names". Forbes. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax Gunerigok, Servet; Hernandez, Michael (25 July 2024). "Group of Democratic lawmakers skip Netanyahu's address in Congress".
  30. ^ Ed Markey [@SenMarkey] (24 July 2024). "My statement on Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to Congress" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Senator Jeff Merkley [@SenJeffMerkley] (23 July 2024). "I will not attend Netanyahu's speech. Following Hamas' horrific attack, Netanyahu's war strategy killed 12,000+ women and children, inflicted widespread starvation, and prioritized his political survival over the release of hostages. He should not have a platform before Congress" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Bernie Sanders [@SenSanders] (22 July 2024). "No, Netanyahu should not be welcomed into the U.S. Congress. On the contrary, his policies in Gaza and the West Bank and his refusal to support a two-state solution should be roundly condemned. As I stated last month, I will not be attending his address" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Senator Chris Van Hollen [@ChrisVanHollen] (23 July 2024). "I will not be attending the Joint Session with PM Netanyahu tomorrow. I think all my constituents deserve to understand why, which is why I'm speaking live on the Senate Floor now to explain my decision. I hope you will listen in" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  34. ^ Elizabeth Warren [@SenWarren] (24 July 2024). "I will not attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's political show in Congress. After nearly 300 days, Netanyahu has failed to bring the hostages home and he has created a humanitarian catastrophe – this war must end" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  35. ^ Senator Peter Welch [@SenPeterWelch] (24 July 2024). "While I welcome a constructive discussion on how to end the conflict in Gaza and achieve lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, I'm not interested in participating in a political stunt. I will not be attending Prime Minister Netanyahu's address" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  36. ^ Rep. Becca Balint [@RepBeccaB] (24 July 2024). "I will not be attending Netanyahu's address and will instead join families of the hostages taken in the October 7 attack. I vehemently object to giving the Prime Minister a platform when his failed leadership has brought so much death and destruction to Palestinians and Israelis" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ Congresswoman Cori Bush [@RepCori] (23 July 2024). "'For lawmakers who genuinely care about democracy and freedom, standing up for human rights is not just a talking point.' Read my statement on my decision to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's joint address to Congress ⬇️" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  38. ^ Congressman Greg Casar [@RepCasar] (24 July 2024). "Today, I'm boycotting Netanyahu's address. We don't need a PR stunt — we need Netanyahu to stop bombing Gaza & secure a ceasefire deal so the hostages can come home. The U.S. must stop unconditional military aid & work toward a long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Joaquin Castro [@JoaquinCastrotx] (24 July 2024). "The opportunity to address a joint session is an honor that should be reserved for the most distinguished world leaders. Benjamin Netanyahu should be standing in front of a criminal tribunal — not the U.S. Congress" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  40. ^ a b c d Solender, Andrew (24 July 2024). "Sweeping bipartisan Netanyahu boycott grows to include Pelosi". Axios.
  41. ^ Leonard, Kimberly; Frazier, Kierra (25 July 2024). "Delegation torn over Netanyahu speech". Politico.
  42. ^ Reporter, James Bickerton US News (24 July 2024). "List of Democrats skipping Netanyahu's speech". Newsweek. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  43. ^ "Congressman Al Green's Statement on His Not Attending Prime Minister Netanyahu's Address to Congress". 24 July 2024.
  44. ^ Congresswoman Sara Jacobs [@RepSaraJacobs] (24 July 2024). "I won't attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech today. His military has reportedly killed over 39,000 Palestinians. He hasn't brought the hostages home. He hasn't made Israel any safer. We need tangible actions to end this war and all the suffering – not performative gestures" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  45. ^ Rep. Pramila Jayapal [@RepJayapal] (23 July 2024). "My full statement on my decision to not attend Prime Minister Netanyahu's address at the U.S. Capitol tomorrow" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ^ Thomas Massie [@RepThomasMassie] (24 July 2024). "Today Congress will undertake political theater on behalf of the State Department. The purpose of having Netanyahu address Congress is to bolster his political standing in Israel and to quell int'l opposition to his war. I don't feel like being a prop so I won't be attending" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  47. ^ Rep. Jim McGovern [@RepMcGovern] (24 July 2024). "I will not be attending Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech. Instead I will meet with Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders and join the families of the hostages to call for their release" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [@AOC] (23 July 2024). "It is a dark day in US history when an authoritarian with warrant requests from the International Criminal Court is allowed to address a joint session of Congress. 40k Palestinians are dead. Hostages aren't home. Netanyahu is a war criminal. I will be boycotting his address" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  49. ^ Rep. Ilhan Omar [@Ilhan] (24 July 2024). "Rep. Omar's Statement on Benjamin Netanyahu's Address to Congress" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  50. ^ Rep. Mark Pocan [@RepMarkPocan] (24 July 2024). "I will not be attending @Netanyahu's speech to Congress. I only regret that an arrest warrant for his war crimes has not yet been issued by the ICC, as I would have gladly served it to him on the House floor. Unfortunately, Netanyahu doesn't stand for peace in the Middle East" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  51. ^ Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley [@RepPressley] (24 July 2024). "Congress is a sacred institution & we should never give this platform to a war criminal. My focus tomorrow will be centering those directly impacted by Israel's war in Gaza & advocating for policies that save lives. I won't be attending Netanyahu's address. My full statement" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  52. ^ Rep. Nydia Velazquez [@NydiaVelazquez] (23 July 2024). "Prime Minister Netanyahu has presided over an unmitigated humanitarian disaster in Gaza. In the interest of protecting human rights and ending this terrible conflict, Congress should not welcome him with open arms. That is why I will not attend his address" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  53. ^ Powers, Sara (25 July 2024). "Rep. Rashida Tlaib holds "war criminal" sign during Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress". CBS News.
  54. ^ Fox, Joey (24 July 2024). "Menendez not in D.C. for Netanyahu address". New Jersey Globe.
  55. ^ Cerino, Marco (2 July 2024). "Rep. Dwight Evans not returning to Congress next week". The Philadelphia Tribune.
  56. ^ Madhani, Aamer (25 July 2024). "Harris tells Netanyahu 'it is time' to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home". Associated Press.
  57. ^ Bohannon, Molly (24 July 2024). "Donald Trump Confirms He Will Meet With Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu—Here's What To Know Ahead Of His Visit". Forbes.
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