Netanyahu meets US leaders amid Gaza controversy

In Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill in connection with recent developments in Gaza. This meeting followed a notable press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump, where Trump proposed an unconventional vision for Gaza that included the U.S. taking control of the region. This suggestion prompted significant international concern and sparked debate in U.S. political circles about its feasibility. During the meeting, Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that Trump's aim was striving towards a more peaceful Middle East, even as some Democratic senators expressed skepticism about the proposed ideas. Netanyahu, for his part, dismissed the need for U.S. troops in Gaza, stating that there was no necessity for a military presence. The discussions also engaged issues relating to the support of Israel in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has drawn a varied reaction across the U.S. political landscape. House Speaker Mike Johnson later defended Trump's proposal for Gaza, asserting its potential for regional peace. Additionally, Netanyahu's visit was marked by a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, reinforcing the urgency of shared interests in the ongoing diplomatic engagements.