Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington this week, facing significant pressure from both Israeli citizens and the U.S. administration. Netanyahu’s trip, his first to his key international ally since resuming his role for a record sixth term at the end of 2022, comes against the backdrop of President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election.
A meeting with Biden is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, contingent on the president’s recovery from Covid-19. Netanyahu is also slated to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, a rare honor reserved for close allies.
The visit follows a period of strained relations between Israel and the U.S., primarily over the conduct of Israel’s military operations in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on October 7.
Netanyahu’s upcoming speech is expected to focus on aligning the Israeli and U.S. responses to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, amid fears that the Gaza war could broaden into a larger regional conflict.
Unlike his 2015 address to Congress, where he openly criticized President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, Netanyahu’s forthcoming speech is anticipated to be less confrontational. The Israeli leader aims to recalibrate U.S.-Israeli relations, which have been tested by American calls for renewed negotiations with the Palestinians and threats of withholding military support.
In Israel, Netanyahu has faced mounting protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The visit is partly intended to reaffirm his leadership and demonstrate continued strong ties with the United States.
Yonatan Freeman, an international relations specialist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, noted, “The goal is to show that despite the protests and criticisms, Netanyahu remains a pivotal leader with substantial support and enduring relations with America.”
The invitation for Netanyahu to address Congress was facilitated by the House Republican leadership, who have accused the Biden administration of insufficiently supporting Israel.
There is currently no indication that Netanyahu will meet with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, with whom he had a close relationship during Trump’s presidency. Trump has recently criticised Netanyahu and called for a swift end to the Gaza conflict.
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