Netanyahu to Meet European Leaders at UN Amidst Diplomatic Isolation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech around 9:00 PM Israel time. His office has made significant efforts to arrange meetings with world leaders during this visit, particularly given Israel's perceived international isolation. Netanyahu's itinerary includes meetings with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, Ethiopia, and the vice president of Colombia, as well as the prime ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea.
According to Netanyahu's office, numerous leaders requested meetings, but the prime minister could only accommodate a portion due to a tight schedule and the need to return before the Sukkot holiday. U.S. President Joe Biden is not among those scheduled to meet with Netanyahu, a situation the prime minister attributed to the Sukkot holiday and his busy schedule.
Netanyahu's wife, Sara, accompanied him on the flight. Notably, he did not release a pre-flight video, a usual practice. A planned meeting with Elon Musk in Texas was canceled due to security concerns and logistical issues related to refueling stops in the U.S.
The prime minister's visit to New York is expected to be costly, as Israel pre-booked three floors at the Loews Regency hotel, his typical accommodation. Finance Ministry officials will attempt to negotiate a credit for unused rooms for future visits.
Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly amid a hostile atmosphere, with Israeli officials anticipating potential provocations. Some ambassadors are reportedly expected to walk out during his speech and display signs accusing Israel of genocide. A senior Israeli official suggested that recent actions by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and incidents of "Jewish terrorism" in the West Bank have damaged Israel's international standing, creating a perception that Netanyahu lacks control over his far-right ministers.
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