Netanyahu’s White House Visit: A Crucial Moment for All Three Leaders
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a highly anticipated visit to the White House on Thursday, where he will meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This meeting comes at a critical juncture for all three politicians, as they face growing pressure to find a resolution to the nine-month war in Gaza.
One of the key objectives for Biden is to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The president sees this as a potential legacy-affirming achievement and a testament to his commitment to resolving international crises. For Harris, the successful release of the hostages could boost her credibility as a potential future commander in chief.
According to White House officials, negotiations between Israel and Hamas are in the final stages, although there are still some outstanding issues to be resolved. Biden and Netanyahu will also meet with the families of American hostages to show their support and solidarity.
Harris, who will meet separately with Netanyahu later in the day, is under scrutiny from both the political left and right. Some on the left accuse Biden of not doing enough to pressure Netanyahu to end the war, while Republicans are looking to portray Harris as weak in her support for Israel. However, a senior administration official emphasized that there is “no daylight between the president and vice president” on the issue of Israel.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, is facing challenges from various fronts. He must navigate the demands of the families of hostages who are calling for a ceasefire agreement, as well as pressure from far-right members of his coalition who oppose any deal that could hinder Israeli forces’ ability to eliminate Hamas.
In his address before Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu passionately defended Israel’s actions during the war and criticized the International Criminal Court’s accusations of war crimes. He argued that Israel’s fight against Iran-backed Hamas served not only its own interests but also those of the United States. However, he did not delve into the ongoing negotiations in his speech.
Netanyahu also took the opportunity to acknowledge Biden’s support following an attack on Israel in October 2023. He praised the Biden administration’s actions while also highlighting the benefits Israel received during Trump’s presidency, such as the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Florida after his visit to the White House.
Ahead of Netanyahu’s visit, security was tightened at the White House, with additional fencing and barriers erected. The heightened security measures were in response to protests near the U.S. Capitol, which Netanyahu referred to as Iran’s “useful idiots.” Harris condemned the pro-Hamas graffiti and the burning of the American flag, emphasizing that such actions should not be tolerated in the nation.
Harris faced criticism from Trump and his Republican allies for not attending Netanyahu’s address to Congress. However, White House officials explained that her absence was due to scheduling conflicts and not meant as a slight. They reiterated Harris’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, highlighting her previous support for the country, including her first overseas trip as a senator and her personal connections to pro-Israel groups.
While Harris has largely aligned with Biden’s stance on Israel throughout the conflict, she has also advocated for a more assertive approach at times. In a speech in March, she called attention to the suffering of Palestinians and urged Israel to do more to alleviate civilian hardships in Gaza.
Overall, Netanyahu’s visit to the White House presents a critical moment for all three leaders. It is an opportunity for Biden to achieve a significant diplomatic breakthrough, for Harris to assert her leadership credentials, and for Netanyahu to address the demands of various stakeholders in Israel. The outcome of this meeting will undoubtedly shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the relationships between the U.S., Israel, and the international community.
