UPDATE 2 - Netanyahu continues talks in Washington

ADDS REMARKS BY US HOUSE SPEAKER

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing talks Tuesday in the US, where he is visiting for a third time since President Donald Trump's return to the White House in January.

Netanyahu met early Tuesday with US Vice President JD Vance at Blair House, in Washington, DC.

No information was shared about the closed-door meeting.

Later, he met US House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol.

Johnson said they discussed America’s commitment to Israel’s security and "our shared goal of achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that is righteous, enduring, and rooted in the principle of peace through strength."

"America and Israel’s strong stand in the 12-Day War dealt a devastating blow to the greatest enemy of peace in the region, leaving the Iranian regime weaker than at any point in decades. We are hopeful that this marks the dawn of a new chapter of peace in the Middle East," Johnson said on X.

Netanyahu is also expected to meet members of Congress from both parties, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Netanyahu's appearance is expected to spark protests.

Several security measures are in place in DC, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators are protesting Netanyahu's visit and demanding a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Protesters gathered outside the Dirksen Senate office building on Tuesday ahead of the Israeli premier’s visit to the Capitol.

Waving Palestinian flags, the protesters chanted: “Free Palestine" and "No aid to Israel."

The held signs that read: "No Funding for Genocide, No Funding For War Crimes", "Stop Arming Israel", "Gaza Fights For Freedom" and "Netanyahu is a war criminal."

The protesters are demanding an end to US support for Israel's war in Gaza.

- Netanyahu to discuss Gaza with Trump later Tuesday

Netanyahu said Israel is working with the US to realize peace in the region.

"We have still to finish the job in Gaza, release all our hostages, eliminate and destroy Hamas' military and governance capabilities, because Gaza must have a different future for our sake, for everyone's sake," he told reporters in Congress.

Trump hosted Netanyahu for a dinner Monday at the White House, where they discussed regional issues, including Gaza and Iran.

Netanyahu said he may discuss additional items with Trump later in the visit.

Trump confirmed that he will meet Netanyahu later Tuesday to discuss Gaza.

Asked about a possible announcement of a Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu said: "Well, we're certainly working on it. I can't speak in advance … but we're working on it diligently as we speak."

The Israeli army has killed more than 57,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages and a spread of disease.

Last November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.