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Netanyahu Set to Meet Trump Amid Controversies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on February 4, marking the first foreign leader to meet with President Donald Trump during his second term. This visit comes at a particularly contentious time for Netanyahu, who faces serious legal challenges at home and international scrutiny.
The announcement of the meeting was made by Netanyahu on Tuesday, following Trump’s earlier statement hinting at the conversation. The visit coincides with recent developments in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, where a ceasefire took effect less than two weeks ago. Interestingly, Netanyahu postponed the ceasefire until the day prior to Trump’s inauguration, opting for terms that closely resembled those proposed months earlier.
As the two leaders prepare to engage with the press, their discussions may encompass various topics, including the potential for enhanced military support for Israel, the controversial prospect of West Bank annexation, or even the revival of drastic measures regarding Gaza. Notably, Trump recently lifted restrictions imposed by the Biden administration on the export of significant military ordnance to Israel, signaling a shift in U.S. policy.
Complicating matters for Netanyahu is a series of allegations back home, including accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In addition, an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. The Biden administration has publicly dismissed the legitimacy of these warrants, a position echoed by Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who has defended Israel’s military actions while criticizing the ICC.
In an effort to support Netanyahu, Senate Republicans have introduced a bill aimed at imposing sanctions on the ICC; however, this initiative was thwarted by Senate Democrats, with only John Fetterman dissenting. This incident highlights the ongoing political divides in the U.S. regarding international criminal accountability. Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s upcoming visit confirms his ability to navigate these controversies as he engages with U.S. leadership.
Source
www.yahoo.com