As the world watches the ongoing crisis in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden is contemplating a potential visit to Israel. This decision comes as President Biden emphasizes the importance of preventing a long-term Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip while maintaining support for the nation. The White House is carefully treading the fine line between backing its ally and addressing the growing regional concerns.
At this point, no official decision has been reached regarding the trip to Israel. However, sources familiar with internal discussions reveal that the White House is actively considering the option. A spokesperson for the National Security Council confirmed that there is no official announcement of the trip as of now.
The prospect of President Biden's visit to Israel is not only a significant diplomatic move but also a clear acknowledgment of the concerns voiced by Palestinians in Gaza and leaders across the Arab world. It underscores the U.S. commitment to managing and de-escalating the crisis in the region.
In a recent interview with CBS News's "60 Minutes," President Biden reasserted his belief in Israel's commitment to abiding by the rules of war and ensuring that innocent civilians have access to essential resources such as medicine, food, and water. He also conveyed his view that Israel should not maintain long-term control over the Gaza Strip but rather support governance by a "Palestinian authority."
President Biden expressed his concern that Hamas and the extreme elements within the organization do not represent the entire Palestinian population. He believes that imposing long-term Israeli control would be a "big mistake."
The timing of this interview coincides with the Israeli Defense Forces' preparations for a potential ground invasion of Gaza. These preparations have prompted hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents to flee south, leading to growing concerns of a humanitarian crisis. According to Palestinian officials, the conflict has already claimed the lives of over 2,600 people in Gaza.
Accepting an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, extended during a phone call on Saturday, could serve multiple purposes. It would symbolize solidarity in the face of the recent Hamas attack while also helping to kickstart regional efforts aimed at limiting the conflict's scope and providing much-needed humanitarian assistance.
President Biden's relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced challenges in recent times, primarily due to the Israeli leader's efforts to curtail the powers of Israel's judicial branch. A potential visit to Israel could offer an opportunity to mend their frayed relationship.
In addition to President Biden's potential visit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to return to Israel after meetings with Saudi and Egyptian leaders. Notably, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has also invited President Biden to participate in an international conference addressing the ongoing conflict. Palestinian and Israeli leaders have been advocating for Egypt's involvement in mediating the crisis, and the U.S. has been pushing for the opening of the Rafah border crossing.
Furthermore, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has revealed that the U.S. engaged in backchannel discussions with Iranian leaders to caution against any further escalation.
During the interview, President Biden disclosed that his team has been exploring the establishment of a safe zone for Gaza residents. Talks with the Egyptian government have been initiated to secure assistance in the evacuation of women and children from the conflict zone. President Biden emphasized Israel's commitment to preventing harm to innocent civilians.
While President Biden expressed the need for a response to the initial Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,300 people, he underscored that U.S. troops' direct intervention is not on the table. Instead, he urged lawmakers to consider providing additional military support to both Israel and Ukraine. President Biden also highlighted the dysfunction in the U.S. Congress, where House Republicans have been unable to elect a new speaker, as a factor contributing to global instability.
In these challenging times, the world watches as diplomatic efforts intensify to address the crisis in Gaza. President Biden's potential visit to Israel is just one of many steps taken to navigate the complex web of regional tensions, with hopes of bringing about a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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