Netanyahu Arrives in DC Amid Presidential Chaos, Asserts Israel Will Remain a ‘Strong’ US Ally Regardless of Whoever Is in White House

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins his three-day visit to Washington D.C. on Monday amid turmoil following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the White House race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. During his visit, Netanyahu is slated to meet with President Biden and deliver a speech to Congress later this week.

Netanyahu plans to visit the White House and address U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday. Although he was initially expected to meet with President Biden on Tuesday, several Israeli media outlets have reported that the meeting will likely be delayed due to Biden’s ongoing recovery from COVID-19.

Netanyahu stated that he seeks to “anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel.”

“I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless of who the American people choose as their next President, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East,” Netanyahu told reporters at Ben-Gurion International Airport before boarding his flight to DC.

“In this time of war and uncertainty it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu stated that he would thank President Biden for his longstanding support of Israel and discuss key issues such as securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, defeating Hamas, and addressing the challenges posed by Iran and its regional proxies.

“I plan to see President Biden, whom I’ve known for over 40 years. This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as senator, as vice president, and as president,” Netanyahu stated.

This marks Netanyahu’s first visit to Washington D.C. in nearly four years. Despite a friendship with Biden spanning over 40 years, the President has declined to host Netanyahu at the White House due to opposition to the Prime Minister’s judicial reform program.

Despite earlier tensions, Biden met with Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2023. A month later, in October, following the Hamas-led October 7 attack, Biden traveled to Israel and met with Netanyahu again.

Netanyahu has also sought to arrange meetings with Vice President Kamala Harris and with the Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Israel’s Channel 13, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu, assured U.S. officials that Netanyahu’s speech before Congress would not include criticism of or against Biden. This assurance came after repeated requests from U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan for details about the content of the Israeli premier’s upcoming remarks.

Since the beginning of the war, numerous Israeli officials have voiced frustration over the Biden administration’s pressure to halt their military campaign. Despite this, Netanyahu is expected to use his visit to mend strained relations.

Additionally, the trip offers Netanyahu an opportunity to directly present Israel’s position to the American public, which largely remains supportive of Israel, despite declining support among younger demographics.

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