Israeli leader said to be at odds with his defence minister and entire military and intelligence echelons who believe time is ripe to reach agreement with Hamas
, there is no denying his rhetorical skills. And in flawless, American-accented English, he delivered another eloquent speech to a joint session of the US Congress on Wednesday, receiving more than 50 standing ovations, becoming the foreign leader who has addressed the forum more times than anyone else – on four occasions now, one more than Winston Churchill.
The families of the more than 100 hostages still in captivity in Gaza were hoping and praying that Netanyahu would declare a breakthrough in the ceasefire negotiations during his speech. “Seal the Deal” they chanted in protests in Washington, warning that every day in captivity puts the lives of their loved ones in danger.
But the delay also happens to perfectly suit Mr Netanyahu’s political calculations. The two far-right parties in his coalition are threatening to quit the government if a ceasefire agreement is reached. On Sunday the Knesset parliament holds its last session before embarking on a three-month recess. This gives Netanyahu a three-month breathing space during which coalition parties will not be able to bring down the government.
Before returning on Saturday night Netanyahu is due to meet separately with president Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris on Thursday and Donald Trump on Friday. Remarkably, all three have identical positions on the Gaza conflict: end the war as quickly as possible in a deal that will bring the hostages home.
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