Updated May 18
U.S. encouraging Israel to wind down Gaza offensive, says AP source
As Israeli and Palestinian death tolls mount, pressure is growing for President Biden to move more forcefully to stop the fighting.
By ELLEN KNICKMEYER, AAMER MADHANI and LISA MASCAROAssociated Press
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WASHINGTON President Biden and administration officials have encouraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials to wind down the bombardment of Gaza, a person with knowledge of the discussions said Tuesday, as the Israeli and Palestinian death tolls mounted and pressure grew on Biden to move more forcefully to stop the fighting.
Top Biden administration officials underscored to the Israelis on Monday and Tuesday that time is not on their side in terms of international objections to nine days of Israeli airstrikes and Hamas rockets, and that it is in their interest to wind down the operations soon, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicl
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House Democrat Quickly Backs Down on Plan to Ask Biden to Delay Israel Arms Sale Biden recently approved a $735 million weapons sale to Israel
After it was revealed on Monday that president Biden approved a $735 million arms sale to Israel amid the bombing of Gaza, some House Democrats raised concerns about the potential deal.
The Hill reported that Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told lawmakers on Monday night that he would send a letter to President Biden requesting the Israeli arms deal be delayed. But Meeks quickly backed down on the plan and told reporters on Tuesday that he only wants to have a “conversation” about the weapons sale.
Democrats step up pressure on Biden
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press conference following meetings with the Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, at the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Blinken is touting the Biden administration s abrupt shift in its predecessor s climate policies as he visits Iceland for talks with senior officials from the world s Arctic nations. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP) SAUL LOEB
President Joe Biden speaks about distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, in the East Room of the White House, Monday, May 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci
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U.S. lawmakers called for the thousands of allies in Afghanistan to be evacuated from the war-ravaged country before international troops pull out, fearing they could be “slaughtered by the Taliban.”
However, the top U.S. envoy to Afghanistan on May 18 played down the dangers to those who worked with the Americans and other coalition forces, saying there was no need to create “panic” over the planned withdrawal of international troops later this year as part of an agreement with the Taliban.
In April, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of remaining forces about 2,500-3,500 U.S. troops and about 7,000 NATO troops by September 11, 2021, after two decades of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.
Live Updates: Biden Said to Have Taken Firmer Line on Call With Netanyahu
The president is said to have warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel that he could put off growing pressure from the international community for only so long.
Here’s what you need to know:
In 2016, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.Credit.Pool photo by Debbie Hill
President Biden on Monday delivered a firmer message in private to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel than he has done in public, warning that he could put off growing pressure from the international community and from Congress to call on Israel to change its approach to Hamas for only so long, according to two people familiar with the call.