Dim Amor

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of meetings in recent days with American congressional delegations, as part of Israeli diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with the United States and explain Israel's positions in the current war.

Netanyahu met with a delegation of Republican congressmen from AIPAC, where he briefed them on the course of the war in the Gaza Strip and addressed extensively the issue of humanitarian aid and the campaign Hamas is conducting against Israel. During the meeting, the Prime Minister also spoke about efforts to release the hostages and answered questions dealing with regional issues and expanding the Abraham Accords.

A special moment occurred when Congressman Ibrahim Hamadeh, who came together with his mother who grew up in As-Suwayda Province, asked to thank Netanyahu for Israel's support of the Druze in southern Syria. This special appeal reflects the complex and unique relationships between Israel and minority communities in the region, particularly with the Druze community located in southern Syria in the border area with Israel.

In another meeting, the Prime Minister held a session with a bipartisan delegation from the House Intelligence Committee. The meeting was held with the participation of Mossad Director David Barnea, together with Congressmen Rick Crawford, Josh Gottheimer, and Ronny Jackson. The participation of the Mossad chief in the meeting with the American intelligence committee indicates the sensitive and important nature of the discussions, which likely include intelligence sharing and coordination of operations between the two sides.

The meetings are taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and Israeli efforts to ensure continued American support. Israeli diplomacy operates in multiple work directions vis-à-vis the American Congress, both at the level of explaining the security situation and at the level of strengthening bilateral relations at various levels.

The emphasis on humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip reflects the challenges Israel faces in the international arena, as it is required to deal with criticism of the humanitarian aspects of the war alongside military efforts. The reference to the campaign Hamas is conducting against Israel indicates the importance Israel attributes to the consciousness and media struggle accompanying the military war.

The discussions about expanding the Abraham Accords point to Israeli efforts to continue and develop relations with additional Arab states, despite the current war. This issue remains on the Israeli agenda as part of the broader vision of changing the region and striving for regional stability. These meetings constitute part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and to ensure continued American support for Israel during this sensitive period.

Photo: Kobi Gideon and Mayan Tuaf