Israel Defense Forces Carry Out Operation in Gaza Ahead of Netanyahu’s Speech to Congress
There has been a delay in cease-fire negotiations, as the Israeli team’s meeting with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari delegations has been postponed until next week.
Israeli forces conducted new raids in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, shortly before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the U.S. Congress.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted areas east of Khan Yunis, where residents reported that homes were destroyed. The IDF stated that it was aiming at areas where Hamas was operating, launching rockets into Israel and attacking Israeli troops.
The military said it found terror tunnels, destroyed Hamas infrastructure sites, eliminated terrorists, and carried out similar operations in Rafah.
During his address to Congress, Mr. Netanyahu appealed for U.S. support in Israel’s conflict with Hamas, emphasizing the importance of standing together.
The Israeli leader recounted the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on southern Israeli communities and highlighted the experiences of Israeli soldiers involved in responding to the attacks and fighting in Gaza.
Mr. Netanyahu’s visit comes at a crucial time, amidst indications of progress in a Gaza peace plan and developments in the U.S. presidential race.
However, cease-fire talks have been postponed, with the Israeli delegation set to meet with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari delegations in Doha, Qatar, now rescheduled for next week. Mr. Netanyahu was supposed to discuss the deal with President Joe Biden on that day.
Another Israeli delegation was supposed to meet with Egyptian officials in Cairo on Wednesday to negotiate about the Rafah border crossing and Philadelphi corridor along the Gaza–Egypt border.
The talks in Qatar revolve around a proposed three-phase cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
Tensions at Paris Olympics
At the Paris Olympics, security was heightened for Israel’s opening soccer match against Mali, with spectators booing the Israeli team and jeering its national anthem.
Mali, a former French colony with a significant expatriate community in France, severed ties with Israel after the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
The Games begin amidst security concerns due to escalating tensions from the Gaza conflict, with Israelis mindful of the tragic terrorist attack on their athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, is providing assistance at the Games, and the Israeli team arrived with a heavy police escort.
This is the first time since 1976 that Israel’s soccer team has qualified for the Olympics.
The Palestinian Olympic Committee and some French lawmakers have called for Israel’s exclusion from the Games.
Ryan Morgan, The Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report.
