Key Takeaways:
– U.S. President Joe Biden is to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to address ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.
– Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, may also attend.
– Previous ceasefire negotiations have stalled, with Qatar suspending its mediation efforts.
– The war in Gaza began in October 2023 with the militant invasion of Israel’s Southern border.
– The Israeli response has led to over 43,000 Palestinian casualties.
Biden-Herzog Meeting Eyeing Middle East Peace
In a significant foreign policy dialogue, U.S. President Joe Biden will sit down with Israeli President Isaac Herzog this Tuesday. The key focus is to bring to the negotiation table the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The two presidents have had prior engagements, meeting twice before in 2023 on American and Israeli soil.
Potential Participation of Ex-Ambassador and PM Advisor
Adding to the gravity of the discussions, the former Israeli ambassador and an influential advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer is expected to join in. His presence shows how the Israeli administration is bringing a united front in these high-level talks.
Stalled Peace Efforts and Hamas’ Role
Efforts to stabilize the regions have been hampered by the lack of progress in ceasefire talks. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have toiled, with limited success, to end the clashes between Israel and Hamas in Lebanon. Qatar, noted for its role as a mediator with Hamas, has stepped back until the war sides show readiness and seriousness to end the conflict.
The Stakes Involved
Caught up in the violence, Hamas desires an agreement that brings an end to hostilities and a win in the prisoner-for-hostages exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a firmer stand, asserting that peace will only prevail once Hamas is annihilated.
Iran: The Underlying Issue
The root cause of the Gaza dispute is perceived to stem from Iran’s influence. The war in Gaza, which erupted in October 2023, resulted in the loss of approximately 1,200 lives, mainly civilians, and abduction of about 250 people by militants. Approximately one-third of the hostages are believed to be deceased.
Palestinian Casualties and Hezbollah’s Role
Israel’s offensive in response to the coastal enclave’s breach has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian fatalities. Not known for distinguishing between civilians and militants, it’s indicated that over half the dead were women and children.
Hezbollah, Iran’s ally, added fuel to the conflagration by launching attacks on Israel. This instigated a broader conflict, leading to Israel’s ground attack on southern Lebanon in October of 2023, for the first time since 2006.
Iran’s Counter Attack and Israel’s Countermeasure
In retaliation, Iran launched roughly 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. Not to be outdone, Israel responded by launching airstrikes on Iranian military installations later that month.
Conclusion
As the region’s powers continue to grapple with these complex issues, the meeting between Presidents Biden and Herzog signals the international community’s commitment to ending the war. As efforts are renewed and mediation gets another chance, world leaders will be watching, hoping that progress is made towards peace in the Middle East.