اردو 
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Netanyahu Meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago Amid Gaza Protests
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited former US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for talks, with Trump dismissing any suggestions of tensions between them.
Netanyahu met Trump, the Republican candidate for the upcoming November presidential election, on Friday, following meetings with Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to run against Trump.
This meeting concluded Netanyahu’s weeklong US visit, which faced widespread protests, boycotts from US lawmakers, and warnings from rights groups regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Trump welcomed Netanyahu and his wife Sara, criticizing Harris for her public concerns about the impact of Israel’s assault on Palestinian civilians. "I think her remarks were disrespectful," Trump said.
Netanyahu announced that Israel would send a negotiating team to Rome early next week to discuss a Gaza ceasefire, citing Israeli military pressure as a catalyst for potential progress.
Trump emphasized the strong relationship between himself and Netanyahu, stating they have "always had a very good relationship."
Netanyahu's visit included an address to a joint session of the US Congress and meetings with Biden and Harris. Known for his ability to navigate US political changes, Netanyahu’s final stop was viewed as an effort to mend ties with Trump before the November 5 election.
Trump's presidency (2017-2021) was characterized by a permissive approach to US-Israel relations, which empowered Netanyahu's government while marginalizing Palestinian interests. However, their relationship soured after Netanyahu acknowledged Biden’s 2020 election victory, despite Trump's claims of fraud.
Before the Friday meeting, officials revealed that Netanyahu had initiated contact with Trump for the first time in years. During his Congressional speech, Netanyahu highlighted Trump’s key actions, including the Abraham Accords, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, and recognizing Israel's claim to the Golan Heights. Trump later thanked Netanyahu during a Fox News interview.
Meetings with Biden and Harris
After addressing Congress, Netanyahu met with Biden at the White House, where Biden urged a Gaza ceasefire. The war, sparked by the October 7 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Initially, Biden supported Netanyahu without much mention of Palestinian suffering. His administration has since adopted a tougher rhetorical stance but continues to support Israel politically and militarily. Amnesty International recently warned that the US could be complicit in war crimes due to its provision of weapons to Israel.
Netanyahu also met Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden’s unexpected decision not to seek re-election. Harris’s comments post-meeting balanced support for Israel with acknowledgment of the war’s civilian toll. She emphasized the complexity of the issue and expressed empathy for those calling for a ceasefire.
Netanyahu’s far-right allies in Israel swiftly rebuked Harris's statements. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded on X, stating, “Madam candidate, there will be no cessation of hostilities.”
