Netanyahu Heads to D.C. as Biden Exits Presidential Race Amid Ongoing War with Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travels to Washington following President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, while conflict in Gaza intensifies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday, a day after President Biden announced he would not pursue a second term. This visit occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Prior to his departure, Netanyahu emphasized the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Israel, stating, “In this time of war and uncertainty, it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together today, tomorrow, and always.”

Netanyahu is scheduled to address both houses of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday and is expected to meet privately with President Biden later in the week, contingent on Biden’s recovery from a recent COVID-19 infection. “This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as Senator, as Vice President, and as President,” Netanyahu remarked. He also mentioned that the discussions would focus on crucial goals for both nations, including the release of hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting Iran and its proxies, and ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens.

In addition to meeting Biden, Netanyahu is expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris during his visit.

Netanyahu’s visit comes amid heightened tensions with Washington over Israel’s conduct in Gaza following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of some 240 hostages. The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives organized Netanyahu’s invitation to address Congress, accusing President Biden of insufficient support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas.

Meanwhile, new protests against U.S. support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 39,000 Palestinian deaths according to Hamas-run health officials, are expected in Washington on Wednesday, coinciding with Netanyahu’s address to Congress. The visit follows a recent opinion by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.

Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from the U.S. to negotiate a deal that would secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. Regular protests in Israel have also demanded a hostage deal.

On Monday, the Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate parts of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza, citing intelligence that Hamas had embedded terrorist infrastructure in the area. This was followed by intense bombardment around Khan Younis, with the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reporting at least 49 fatalities, including women and children, and nearly 190 injuries.

Yonatan Freeman, an international relations expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told Reuters that part of Netanyahu’s goal in visiting the U.S. is to demonstrate his continued leadership and strong relations with America despite ongoing protests and criticisms.