Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel's former PM comes to Washington under pressure to end Gaza war

Long-serving Israeli leader faces calls to de-escalate conflict

Netanyahu seeks US support amid international condemnation of violence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday, facing pressure from the US to end the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu's visit comes amid mounting international condemnation of Israel's military response to rocket attacks from Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.

The United States has called for an immediate ceasefire, but Netanyahu has so far resisted, saying that Israel will continue to defend itself. Netanyahu's visit is expected to focus on the conflict in Gaza, as well as other regional issues such as Iran's nuclear program.

The Israeli leader is expected to meet with President Biden and other senior US officials. He is also scheduled to address Congress on Tuesday.

Netanyahu's visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and the US. The Biden administration has been critical of Israel's settlement building in the occupied West Bank, and has also called for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It remains to be seen whether Netanyahu will be able to secure the US support he is seeking. The Biden administration has made it clear that it is committed to a two-state solution, and it is unlikely to endorse any Israeli actions that could undermine that goal.