Netanyahu to Speak to Congress, Meet Biden as Israelis Contemplate Relationship: "The American People Stand with Us"

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening for his upcoming address to Congress on Wednesday. He will have his first meeting with President Biden on U.S. soil since the Hamas terrorist movement, backed by Iran, killed nearly 1,200 people on October 7, including 30 Americans, and took about 250 hostages.

The two leaders have had sharp disagreements over Israel's prosecution of the war in the Gaza Strip, where Hamas is based. One notable instance was Israel's decision to defy Biden and seek military control over the southern Gaza City of Rafah, which is the last main stronghold of Hamas battalions and hostages held by the U.S.-designated terrorist entity.

According to Caroline Glick, an American-Israeli commentator and former adviser to Netanyahu, Biden's meeting with Netanyahu places the two leaders on opposite sides of the spectrum. The majority of Israelis, including Netanyahu, remain committed to achieving Israel's war goals, such as destroying Hamas as a military and political entity, returning all hostages, preventing Gaza from ever threatening Israel, and changing the strategic balance in northern Israel to Israel's advantage. This would allow the 80,000 Israeli residents of the border towns with Lebanon to return to their homes safely after living in hotels since they were evacuated in October.

Glick, who resides in Jerusalem, claims that Biden's cease-fire objective fails to achieve any of the desired outcomes. During their meeting, Biden will urge Netanyahu to abandon Israel's war objectives and accept a cease-fire. Netanyahu will attempt to obtain weapons to ensure Israel has the necessary resources to succeed.

According to Netanyahu, Hamas softened its negotiating position in talks about a cease-fire and hostage release after the incursion into Rafah in May.

According to veteran observers, the Israeli prime minister has issued boilerplate diplomatic language about his government's relations with the Biden administration, which has at times pandered to anti-Israel elements within its far-left base.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Biden on Thursday to discuss the objectives of the war. According to The Times of Israel, the prime minister stated upon departing Israel for D.C. on Monday that the meeting presented an opportunity to discuss with Biden how to advance in the upcoming months the goals that are crucial for both countries, including the release of all hostages, defeating Hamas, challenging the terror alliance of Iran, and ensuring the safety of all Israeli citizens to return to their homes in the north and south.

Biden is pushing for a cease-fire to end the war and for Netanyahu to present a concrete plan for a post-Hamas Gaza.

Across Israel, Israelis were interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital about the intricate Israel-American relationship and the significance of Netanyahu's visit to the United States, particularly as he prepares to speak to Congress on Wednesday.

Currently, Dov Yitzchak Neal, a resident of Gush Etzion in the Judean mountains, believes it crucial for Bibi (Netanyahu) to address Congress and convey the need for assistance from pro-Israel individuals. His concern and disgust are directed towards the Democrats, particularly President Biden, who has a negative stance towards Israel.

Since Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, Neal argued that America should support this country because it shares American values.

In Tel Aviv, Israel's second-largest city, Dalia agreed with Neal's statement.

Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and is an ally of the United States. The relationship and friendship between the two are critical, and she hopes it will remain forever. Biden has been relatively supportive, but she emphasizes that the operative word is "relatively." She also criticized the hard-left-wing Democrat "Squad" members of Congress for their anti-Israel views.

David Binet, a resident of Tel Aviv, stated that America should recognize Israel as its primary ally in the region and a leader in the battle against extremist Islamic terrorism.

Tzvia, who was in the bustling Jerusalem market, stated, "I believe Biden should do more for Israel. He doesn't do enough. We need to be united against Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza because, ultimately, Iran will attack the United States as well, not just us. The American people are with us, most of them. I'm not sure about the government."

A group of former Israeli national security officials, diplomats, and academics expressed their "grave concerns" to Congressional leaders about Netanyahu's visit on the eve of his address to Congress.

The letter stated that Netanyahu prioritizes his personal political survivability over shared interests, as he has lost the support of the Israeli people and is attempting to strengthen his domestic coalition through a show of force in the United States. Furthermore, the letter claimed that Netanyahu remains unwilling to develop a post-war plan and continues to destabilize the national security of both Israel and the U.S.

Several pro-Israel voices were angered by Biden's response during his press conference earlier this month when asked about Israel's war with Hamas.

Biden's press conference on the Israel-Hamas conflict turned the situation upside down. He did not condemn Hamas or its supporters, and he did not mention the over 100 hostages, including eight Americans, being held in poor conditions by Hamas. Instead, he criticized Israel and advocated for a two-state solution, which, for Israel, would result in its destruction, according to David Friedman, who served as Trump's ambassador to Israel and spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Israel's security is at risk if President Biden does not make it clear that Hamas is responsible for the massacre in Israel and that Israel has the right to defend itself and eliminate Hamas completely. According to retired Israeli Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, Israel's existence depends on a decisive win in Gaza. Without a decisive win, Israel will be vulnerable to attacks from all sides. Avivi emphasized the need for President Biden to stand with Israel and provide the necessary support to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages.

The National Security Council was referred to by the U.S. State Department regarding Planet Chronicle Digital, but did not respond promptly to a press inquiry.