Benjamin Netanyahu, Long-Serving Israeli Prime Minister, Visits Washington Amidst Gaza Conflict

Netanyahu Departs for US as Gaza Crisis Escalates

US-Israel Tensions Flare over Bombardment and Aid to Palestinians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for meetings with US President Joe Biden, as tensions between the two countries escalate over Israel's bombardment of Gaza and the delivery of aid to Palestinians.

The visit comes amidst a surge in violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians. The United States has criticized the scale of the attacks, calling for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu has defended the offensive, saying that it is necessary to protect Israel from Hamas rocket attacks. He is expected to discuss a possible ceasefire with Biden during their talks.

Other issues on the agenda for the meeting include the Iranian nuclear program and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.