Netanyahu visits the US to meet with Biden, Harris, Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in the U.S. for a visit with top political leaders. A meeting with President Joe Biden is reportedly to take place on Thursday, July 25, as the president recovers from COVID-19, with the White House saying he’s nearly symptom-free.

On Wednesday, July 24, Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech to Congress. He’s expected to thank the U.S. for its ongoing support for Israel in its war against Hamas.

However, some Democratic lawmakers are expected to boycott Netanyahu’s speech. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has already threatened to have anyone who disrupts the event arrested.

“I wish that he would be a statesman and do what is right for Israel,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told CNN. “We all love Israel. We need to help them and not have him stand in the way of that for such a long time. I think it’s going to invite more of what we have seen in terms of discontent among our own.”

I will not attend Netanyahu’s speech. Following Hamas’ horrific attack, Netanyahu’s war strategy killed 12,000+ women and children, inflicted widespread starvation, and prioritized his political survival over the release of hostages. He should not have a platform before Congress.

— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) July 23, 2024

Netanyahu is focused on shoring up bipartisan support for Israel as the country continues to fight not only Hamas but is facing growing security threats from Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon and Yemen.

Netanyahu said Israel will still be a “key U.S. ally” to whoever replaces President Biden.

The prime minister is also expected to meet with presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris during his visit. Reports show he has also reached out to former President Trump to potentially meet with him before departing the U.S., but it’s unclear if that meeting will take place this week.