Diplomatic Dances: Netanyahu’s New York Meetings Amid Protests

Diplomatic Dances: Netanyahu’s New York Meetings Amid Protests

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Engagements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in New York, embarking on a series of diplomatic meetings. He initiated his diplomatic engagements with a meeting with Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly. This hour-long meeting marked the commencement of Netanyahu’s diplomatic interactions in New York. Following this, Netanyahu also met with the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, who expressed his intention to return the Paraguayan embassy to Jerusalem.

(Also Read: New Immigration Law Reshaping Life in Florida: Immigrants Uncertain and Afraid)

Netanyahu’s Dialogue with Chancellor Scholz

In his meeting with Chancellor Scholz, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and for preserving the unique relationship between the two nations. The leaders discussed Iran’s destabilizing actions, its global spread of terrorism, and its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Netanyahu urged caution against accepting Tehran’s decision to withdraw some of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s inspectors from its nuclear facilities. Furthermore, they discussed bolstering security cooperation between their countries, including recent agreements on the supply of the Arrow 3 air defense system.

Engagement with Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña

Beyond his meeting with Chancellor Scholz, Netanyahu also held talks with Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña. Peña announced plans to return the Paraguayan embassy to Jerusalem by the end of the year. In return, Israel has agreed to reopen its embassy in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción.

Upcoming Meetings with Zelensky and Erdoğan

Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His meeting with Zelensky carries significance, as it will be the first between an Israeli prime minister and a Ukrainian president since the war with Russia began. Zelensky hopes to obtain updates from Netanyahu regarding Ukraine’s request for defense systems and technologies to shoot down Iranian drones, among other matters.

Protests against Netanyahu in New York

As Netanyahu conducts his diplomatic engagements, hundreds of Israelis have gathered to protest against him at Times Square in New York. These demonstrators, waving Israeli flags, chanted slogans advocating for democracy and against corruption. The protest, organized by Israeli expatriates, aims to “tell the real story of what is happening in Israel” and stand for Israeli democracy.

(Also Read: Sanna Marin’s Appointment at the Tony Blair Institute: A New Chapter)

Anticipated Meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden

Netanyahu is expected to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden tomorrow. The discussions are likely to center around Iran’s nuclear program, security cooperation, and potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister hopes that he may secure another meeting with President Biden later this year.