President Biden is set to hold a meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel at the White House on Tuesday. This gesture represents a significant diplomatic move towards one of America’s key allies, especially in light of recent tensions between the Biden administration and Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
White House officials have described this meeting with Mr. Herzog as an opportunity for President Biden to strengthen the already strong bond between the two countries. The focus of their discussion will include preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which is part of the White House’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
However, beneath the surface of mutual respect, there have been strains between the two governments in recent years. President Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with Mr. Netanyahu’s stance on Israeli settlements and efforts to reform the nation’s judicial system.
After months of delay, President Biden extended a formal invitation for Mr. Netanyahu to visit the United States. Following a phone call between the two leaders, the prime minister has been invited to meet in the United States, potentially before the end of the year, although not necessarily at the White House.
President Herzog’s visit on Tuesday provides an opportunity for President Biden to express his commitment to Israel without extending the political benefits of a White House visit to Mr. Netanyahu. President Herzog’s position in Israel’s government is largely ceremonial, but supporters consider him a bridge builder in a politically turbulent landscape.
Israel holds a central position as a U.S. ally in the Middle East, receiving substantial financial aid each year. President Biden intends to emphasize areas of collaboration, such as progress toward normalizing relations with other Middle Eastern countries and diplomatic efforts with the Palestinians.
However, even before President Herzog’s visit, controversy surrounded his upcoming speech to Congress on Wednesday. Several liberal lawmakers decided to boycott his speech as a protest against the Netanyahu government.
Earlier this month, President Biden described Mr. Netanyahu’s cabinet as one of the most extremist he has encountered in decades of engaging with Israeli foreign policy. This acknowledgment reflects the discontent among progressive groups regarding the prime minister’s policies.
During the meeting, President Biden plans to raise concerns about Israel’s expansion of settlements, which the administration views as an obstacle to a future two-state solution with a Palestinian state. He will also express discomfort with Mr. Netanyahu’s proposed changes to the judicial system, potentially undermining the power of Israel’s Supreme Court.
John F. Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council, stated the importance of a vibrant and viable democracy in Israel based on compromise. The meeting aims to underscore the history of friendship that has characterized the relationship between the two countries since Israel’s establishment.
As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary, the visit will highlight the enduring partnership and friendship between the United States and Israel. President Biden and President Herzog will discuss opportunities to deepen Israel’s regional integration and foster a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East.
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