The Israeli PM is set to address the US Congress and is also expected to meet Kamala Harris
Despite President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled for this week, will proceed as planned, according to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by AP.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Prime Minister will travel to the US on Monday, as scheduled. The Israeli leader is set to address the US Congress on July 24, where he plans to present “the truth about our just war” in Gaza amidst increasing pressure for a ceasefire and a hostage deal with Hamas to end the violence.
The exact timing of the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu remains uncertain, as the US president is still recovering from Covid-19 at his Delaware home, according to the source, who requested anonymity.
Initially, Biden reportedly expressed reluctance to give the Israeli PM “satisfaction” by stepping down before his visit to Washington, as reported by the New York Times on Friday. Tensions between the two leaders have been escalating since the US halted the delivery of certain bombs to Israel in May, amidst calls for scaling back the offensive in the densely populated city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Netanyahu is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been endorsed by Biden as the new Democratic nominee for the November elections.
On Sunday, Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election after facing pressure regarding his mental and physical state. In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page, he stated that this decision was “in the best interest” of the Democratic Party and “the country.” However, he ruled out resignation, stating his intention “to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Following this announcement, Israeli President Isaac Herzog took to X to express his gratitude to Biden for his “friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career.”
“As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples,” Herzog wrote.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also expressed his thanks to Biden for his “unwavering support of Israel over the years.”
“Your steadfast backing, especially during the war, has been invaluable. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship,” he added, after wishing Netanyahu “good luck” for his upcoming trip to the US.