U.S. President Joe Biden has finally extended an official invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit to the United States later this year. This announcement comes after a significant delay, as Biden was initially hesitant due to concerns about Israel’s judicial overhaul and expansion of settlements on the occupied West Bank.
The invitation was extended during a phone call between the two leaders, just ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Washington, where he has been invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. However, some members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have indicated that they may not attend the event.
It is still unclear whether the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu will take place at the White House. Nonetheless, this invitation marks a significant moment in the relationship between the two countries.
Biden’s administration remains concerned about Israel’s judicial overhaul and the behavior of some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, which they have described as extremist. These concerns were echoed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his visit to Israel in March.
The Israeli government has stated that Netanyahu plans to form a “broad public consensus” for the proposed judicial reforms, which have sparked anti-government protests in the country for several months.
In addition to discussing domestic issues, Biden and Netanyahu also addressed mutual concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Biden emphasized the importance of pursuing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and enhancing security on the West Bank.
Overall, the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was described as “long and warm,” with a focus on countering threats from Iran and strengthening the alliance between the United States and Israel.
As the relationship between the two countries continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize compromise and consensus-building in order to ensure a vibrant and viable democracy in Israel.
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