As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for his visit to Washington next week, it is anticipated that he will meet with President Biden.
However, the White House has issued a statement indicating that the President's recovery from COVID-19 will be the primary concern. John Kirby, the White House communications director for national security, assured reporters on Thursday that the two leaders are expected to meet during Netanyahu's visit. "We have every expectation that the two leaders will have a chance to see each other when Prime Minister Netanyahu is in town, Kirby stated.
According to The Hill, the specifics of the meeting are yet to be determined due to the uncertainty surrounding President Biden's health after his recent positive COVID-19 test. Kirby emphasized that the president's recovery would take precedence, leaving the nature of the discussion with Netanyahu uncertain.
Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday, with a meeting with Biden expected the following day. Vice President Harris is also anticipated to meet with the Israeli leader. Kirby, however, was unable to provide a detailed outline of the meeting, stating, I cant tell you at this point, Thursday the day what that exactly is going to look like. But as we get closer certainly be able to provide you some more.
The upcoming meeting is set against a backdrop of criticism from both Israel and the U.S., with accusations that Netanyahu has prioritized military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip over an internationally backed cease-fire deal, a deal that Biden has been instrumental in promoting.
Adding to the tension, the Israeli Knesset, its parliament, passed a resolution on Thursday rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, a crucial aspect of Bidens three-phase cease-fire deal. The resolution was passed with a significant majority in the politically divided government, 68-9.
In response to a question about the resolution, Kirby reiterated the administration's commitment to a two-state solution. That is not something that President Biden is going to give up on and were going to keep doing everything we can to try to achieve that outcome. We know its not going to happen tomorrow. And we know its not going to be without difficulty and we also know that it requires leadership. Strong courage and leadership in the region to bring about that outcome.
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