Netanyahu's Upcoming Visit to the US Congress
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the United States next week to address the US Congress. According to Mike Herzog, Israel's ambassador to the US, Netanyahu's visit is not about engaging in American politics but about representing Israel during a time of war. Herzog emphasized that this is the longest war in Israel's history, and Netanyahu's address will reflect the nation's stance and needs during this critical period.
The visit comes at a time when President Biden is grappling with a mild case of COVID-19, which may lead to a rescheduling of their planned meeting. The White House has yet to confirm any changes, but Israeli officials are preparing for the possibility of a postponement.
Secret Talks on Reopening the Rafah Crossing
In related developments, the United States, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority held a clandestine meeting last week to discuss the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza. This crossing is crucial for implementing the first phase of a hostage deal, which includes transferring wounded Hamas members to Egypt for medical treatment.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is seen as a significant step toward stabilizing and rebuilding Gaza post-war. However, disagreements remain between Israel and Egypt on how to manage the crossing. Israel prefers non-Hamas affiliated personnel to operate it, while Egypt wants the Palestinian Authority to take charge.
The Role of the Palestinian Authority
The Biden administration views the reopening of the Rafah crossing as a way to restore governance in Gaza without involving Hamas. During the secret meeting in Tel Aviv, senior officials from the US, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority discussed various proposals. Despite opposition from Prime Minister Netanyahu, efforts were made to persuade the Palestinian Authority to have an unofficial presence at the crossing.
While the Palestinian Authority rejected the proposal, US and Israeli officials believe it is in their interest to establish some form of involvement in Gaza. The negotiations highlight the complex dynamics at play as all parties seek to navigate the post-war landscape.
- The invitation for Netanyahu to address the US Congress was extended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with bipartisan support from both the Senate and the House. The letter emphasized the US's commitment to supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism, particularly against Hamas.
- The secret meeting in Tel Aviv included key figures such as Brett McGurk, President Biden's senior advisor for the Middle East, and Ronan Bar, the head of the Shin Bet. Palestinian representatives included Minister Hussein al-Sheikh and intelligence chief Majed Faraj. Despite the lack of a formal agreement, the discussions are seen as a critical step toward future cooperation.
