Netanyahu’s D.C. Visit: Trump Meeting Confirmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday, preparing for a highly anticipated address to the U.S. Congress scheduled for Wednesday. This visit occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s protracted conflict with Hamas, as well as significant political upheaval in the United States following President Joe Biden’s surprising withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Former President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he will meet with Netanyahu during his stay in the U.S. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his eagerness to welcome Netanyahu to his Mar-a-Lago estate, recalling that during his presidency, there was “Peace and Stability in the Region,” and he asserted that such conditions could be restored. Initially, Trump had announced the meeting was set for Wednesday but later corrected this to Thursday before finally rescheduling it to Friday at Netanyahu’s request.

Netanyahu’s trip to Washington follows his acceptance of a bipartisan invitation to address Congress, which he had agreed to in early June. In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), Netanyahu conveyed his excitement about the opportunity to speak to Congress and share his perspective on the ongoing war with Hamas. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had been instrumental in arranging Netanyahu’s address, working diligently over several weeks to secure it. Johnson even considered extending the invitation without Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who had previously declined Netanyahu’s request to speak to Senate Democrats and had called for a new election in Israel, adding a layer of complexity to the invitation process.

During his address, Netanyahu is expected to seek to enhance his approval ratings, which have been on the decline, and reestablish himself as “the protector of Israel.” He will likely aim to frame himself as a key figure with substantial influence in the U.S. Congressional leaders have asked Netanyahu to discuss Israel’s vision for “defending democracy, combating terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.” An Israeli official indicated that Netanyahu plans to use the visit to press for new demands from President Biden, including increased monitoring of certain Palestinians and enhanced control over the Gaza-Egypt border.

Notably absent from Netanyahu’s Congressional address will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who typically presides over such events. Harris will be missing due to a pre-existing engagement in Indianapolis, a situation that Israeli officials have described as “disappointing.” Additionally, Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., has announced that he will not attend due to a “previously scheduled commitment in Virginia.” Senators Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and several other representatives have also indicated they will not be present. Sanders expressed his disapproval on X, stating that Netanyahu should not be welcomed into Congress and criticizing his opposition to a two-state solution.

Originally, Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with President Biden on Tuesday, but this meeting has been postponed to Thursday due to Biden’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis, as reported by the Associated Press. The discussion between Biden and Netanyahu is expected to focus on efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages. Biden reportedly believes that a resolution to the conflict is imminent and plans to dedicate the final months of his presidency to ending the war between Hamas and Israel. Meanwhile, Harris is planning to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, with an aide informing Politico that Harris intends to reaffirm her commitment to Israel’s security and advocate for a resolution that ensures Israel’s security, the release of all hostages, an end to the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the Palestinian people’s right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.

House Speaker Johnson has emphasized a strict “zero tolerance policy for disturbances” during Netanyahu’s address, warning that any disruptions could result in removal from the chamber and potential arrest. There will also be increased police presence around the Capitol and within the chamber to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. Netanyahu’s address is particularly significant given the recent strain in Israel’s relationship with the U.S. and the tensions between Netanyahu and Biden. International efforts to negotiate a cease-fire have so far been unsuccessful, and Biden has openly criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict. The Biden administration has expressed concerns that Israel has not done enough to minimize civilian casualties or facilitate aid into Gaza. Despite these criticisms, Biden has refrained from cutting off U.S. aid to Israel. This visit marks Netanyahu’s first international travel since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Notably, it echoes a past visit in 2015 when 58 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu’s address to Congress, during which he criticized Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and then-Vice President Biden was among those who did not attend.