Trump says he is ‘looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu to Mar-a-Lago’
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, this Friday. This meeting is part of a high-profile visit by Netanyahu to the United States, which includes significant diplomatic engagements in Washington, D.C.
Netanyahu’s visit is taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing and intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, which flared up dramatically following a terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. The Israeli Prime Minister will kick off his U.S. trip with an address to Congress on Wednesday, where he is expected to discuss the current situation in Israel and seek support from U.S. lawmakers.
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He will also meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday for a bilateral discussion that is anticipated to cover a range of critical issues, including the plight of American hostages held by Hamas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting, stating, “Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.” Trump, who is the Republican presidential nominee, used the opportunity to highlight his past achievements in U.S.-Israel relations, particularly during his first term in office.
He emphasized his administration’s role in fostering “Peace and Stability in the Region,” referencing the Abraham Accords—a landmark peace agreement signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates that normalized relations between the two nations.
Trump further elaborated on his vision for future peace efforts, asserting that his “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH Agenda” could end ongoing global conflicts. He took a critical stance against current U.S. leadership, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of being incapable of addressing the crises at hand. “Millions are dying, and Kamala Harris is in no way capable of stopping it,” Trump claimed.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump follows his official request to engage with the former president. During his time in office, Trump made several significant moves in support of Israel, including the controversial relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018. This move was a highly debated decision that formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Additionally, Trump’s administration acknowledged Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, withdrew the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council, and brokered the Abraham Accords.
On the legislative front, Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday was organized following an invitation from the bipartisan leaders of both the House and Senate, extended earlier this year. However, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also the president of the Senate, will not be present for the address.
Harris has a prior commitment in Indiana, and with her recent confirmation as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president after President Biden’s campaign suspension, her absence is notable.
As Netanyahu continues his U.S. visit and engages with top American officials, the outcomes of these discussions are likely to have significant implications for international relations and domestic political landscapes.