### Netanyahu Meets Trump and Notes “Some Progress in Talks”
#### Former U.S. President Urges Immediate Return of Hostages from Gaza
Former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Florida resort on Friday, in a meeting that might ease recent tensions between the two leaders who forged a close alliance during Trump’s presidency.
During the meeting, Trump stated, “My relationship with Netanyahu was never bad… Our relationship has always been good.” He also emphasized the need for the immediate return of hostages from Gaza. Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent comments about Israel as “disrespectful.”
Netanyahu mentioned that “time will tell if we are close to reaching a ceasefire agreement” in Gaza, adding that he will send a delegation to talks in Rome on Sunday, which will include American, Egyptian, and Qatari participation. He noted, “I believe there is some progress in the talks due to military pressure.”
Later, Trump’s team conveyed that during the meeting, Trump pledged to work for Middle East peace and combat anti-Semitism if he returns to the White House.
Netanyahu’s visit to Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, comes a day after meetings in Washington with Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump in the presidential race.
The Israeli leader adjusted his U.S. visit schedule to head to Florida for the meeting with Trump.
Polls indicate that Harris and Trump are closely competing for the White House, prompting world leaders like Netanyahu to balance their interactions with the United States.
Netanyahu has historically been more aligned with Republicans than with Democrats.
In her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris pressed the Israeli leader hard on the humanitarian situation in Gaza in what were described as “frank” discussions, closely watched for signs of how U.S. policy toward Israel might change if she becomes president.
Harris said after the meeting, “I clearly expressed my deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation there. I will not remain silent.”
In an interview on Thursday, Trump called for a swift end to the war between Israel and Hamas and the return of hostages, adding that Israel needs to manage its “public relations” better.
Trump stated, “I want him (Netanyahu) to end it and get it done quickly. They are being destroyed by this propaganda.”
Trump also criticized those who protested against Netanyahu’s speech to Congress on Wednesday.
Dozens of Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s speech, expressing anger over the killing of thousands of civilians and the humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli campaign in Gaza.
In a show of defiance, Netanyahu defended the military and condemned the criticisms of Israel’s military campaign, which has devastated Gaza and killed more than 39,000 Palestinians. Netanyahu praised Biden’s support for Israel.
By/radwa sherif ✏️✏️📚