Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a historic speech to the U.S. Congress, amidst mounting pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas following the Gaza war. This visit comes as tensions between Israel and the U.S. have escalated, with concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and protests in Israel over hostages taken by Hamas.
While there is optimism for a potential deal negotiated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., there are also challenges as Hamas accuses Netanyahu of blocking the agreement. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains hopeful, stating that negotiators are close to reaching a resolution.
Despite the strained relations, the U.S. continues to support Israel, playing a key role in mediation efforts. Netanyahu aims to shift the focus away from the Gaza conflict towards the threat posed by Iran and its proxies. The outcome of this visit could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and Israel’s international standing.
Overall, the situation remains tense as Netanyahu seeks to navigate both domestic and international pressures while addressing the challenges posed by the Gaza war.