Netanyahu plans on maintaining Biden plan

(MENAFN) Despite United States President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, his planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will proceed as scheduled, according to reports from the Associated Press. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Netanyahu will travel to the United States on Monday, with a key address to the United States Congress scheduled for July 24. During his speech, Netanyahu is expected to discuss "the truth about our just war" in Gaza amidst growing calls for a ceasefire and a resolution regarding hostages held by Hamas.

The precise timing of the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu is still uncertain, as President Biden is currently recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Delaware. The sources, who requested anonymity, have indicated that this recovery could impact the scheduling of their meeting.

Reports from the New York Times suggest that Biden initially resisted stepping down from the presidential race before Netanyahu’s Washington visit, possibly to avoid giving Netanyahu any perceived advantage. Relations between Biden and Netanyahu have been strained, particularly following the United States decision to halt the delivery of specific bomb types to Israel in May. This decision came amid international pressure to reduce military actions in the heavily populated Gaza city of Rafah.

In addition to his meeting with Biden, Netanyahu is also expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris has been endorsed by Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the upcoming November elections. The ongoing interactions between these leaders highlight the complex dynamics of United States-Israeli relations and the broader geopolitical implications of Netanyahu's visit.

MENAFN23072024000045015687ID1108471101