Netanyahu to discuss regional challenges and opportunities with Vance

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (October 20) that he will discuss regional challenges and opportunities with U.S. Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Israel, which is expected to begin on Tuesday (October 21).

AI Brief

Netanyahu expressed hope for regional peace agreements with Trump during his speech to Israel's parliament.
He called for the return of 16 slain hostages still held by Hamas, as part of a US-mediated deal.
The parliament session was interrupted by protests over a speakers comment about Israels Supreme Court president.

Addressing Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that together with U.S. President Donald Trump, he expected to forge peace agreements in the region.

Netanyahu also mentioned the remaining 16 slain hostages in Hamas captivity and the need to bring them back home.

Under a U.S.-mediated agreement to end the war in Gaza, Hamas released 20 living hostages and was to release 48 slain hostages, but as of Monday has only handed over 13 bodies, one of them was not of a hostage.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel released nearly 2,000 convicted Palestinian prisoners and detainees, among other steps under the deal.

At the start of the Knesset plenum marking the opening of its winter session, Knesset speaker Amir Ohana referred to Israel's Supreme Court President Amit Isaac as 'judge', which triggered vocal protest from opposition lawmakers claiming it was unrespectful.

It took long minutes and the removal of some of the shouting opposition lawmakers before the session could be resumed.