Harris tells Netanyahu 'it is time' to end the war in Gaza and bring hostages home
Graham Stothard reports on a visit that has caused divisions in Washington
Vice President Kamala said she has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire deal with Hamas soon so that hostages held by the militants in Gaza can return home.
In a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday Harris said she had a “frank and constructive” conversation with him in which she affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.
But also expressed deep concern about the high death toll in Gaza over nine months of war and the “dire” humanitarian situation there.
“There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal,” Harris said.
“And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done.”
Her remarks came just one day after Netanyahu gave a speech to Congress in which he defended the war, vowed “total victory” against Hamas and made relatively little mention of cease-fire negotiations.
The Israeli Prime Minister met separately with US President Joe Biden earlier on Thursday who also discussed the possibility of securing a ceasefire deal amid the ongoing war.
Netanyahu's first White House visit since 2020 comes as the death toll in Gaza passes 39,000, with dozens of Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas.
In their Oval Office meeting, Biden reiterated his calls for a ceasefire deal, which would bring hostages home, to be swiftly reached.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said negotiations are in the closing stages.
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"But it's going to require, as it always does, some leadership, some compromise," he added.
Netanyahu will also meet with former president Donald Trump in Florida on Friday, as part of his overseas trip.
Biden and Netanyahu have known each other for around 40 years and, in what was likely to be their last White House meeting, Israel's prime minister thanked him for his service.
He said: "From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel."
After their talks, Biden and Netanyahu met with the families of American hostages.
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