U.S. President Joe Biden is anticipating meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22 to discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip.
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed the meeting plans during an interview with the Aspen Security Forum on July 19.
Mr. Netanyahu is already slated to address a joint session of Congress on July 24. This new meeting will now provide the two leaders an opportunity to discuss ceasefire negotiations face to face, as the Biden administration has recently signaled a deal may be close.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier on July 19 that negotiators are “in the 10-yard line” of a deal. Mr. Sullivan told the Aspen Security Forum that finalizing the deal poses a challenge, as negotiators discuss how to wind down Israel’s military presence in the Gaza Strip, how to handle renewed humanitarian efforts in the territory, and what to do about “the long-term disposition of the Gaza Strip.”…