Netanyahu warns that Israel and the US do not want an agreement in Gaza at any price.
During his third day in Washington, the Israeli prime minister affirmed that with the US to achieve a common objective we have a joint strategy
The Israeli leader He met with Democratic and Republican senators in the US capital and told reporters before the meeting that he is coordinating with Trump in his goal of ensuring that “Gaza ceases to pose a threat” and securing the return of the hostages.
“To achieve this common goal, we have a joint strategy. We not only have a common strategy, but also common tactics. This does not imply pressure or coercion, but full coordination. President Trump wants an agreement, but not at any price. I want an agreement, but not at any price,” he said.
Netanyahu stressed that his country has “security requirements” and emphasized that neither side is seeking the forced departure of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
“If people want to leave Gaza, they should have the right to do so and not be held at gunpoint by Hamas. (…) It’s called freedom of choice. Nothing more than that, without coercion or forced departure,” he said.
After his second meeting with Trump on Tuesday, which was behind closed doors, the Israeli prime minister had stressed that his country is determined to achieve all of its objectives.
Netanyahu met with Hegseth
His visit is expected to conclude this Thursday, although the press in his country does not rule out an extension. His agenda this Wednesday included a meeting at the Pentagon with the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.
During that meeting, Netanyahu thanked the United States for the so-called Operation Midnight Hammer, in which Washington bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities at the end of June.
“I think everyone took note. I think Iran took note. I think everyone in the Middle East took note of the American determination and the strength of our alliance. "I think it was frankly like the roar of two lions, and it was heard around the world. So, thank you again, and our admiration for everything you did," he told Hegseth. Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Monday to discuss with the Republican president a possible 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which should serve to negotiate a definitive end to the conflict. Trump said Wednesday that an agreement for such a truce could be reached "this week or next." The White House had so far expressed confidence that the pact could be reached by the end of this week.