Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit the United States for the first time since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. During the visit, Netanyahu will meet with President Biden at the White House on Tuesday, and address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Wednesday.
Before departing Israel, Netanyahu spoke to reporters, stating that during his visit he would seek bipartisan support from U.S. politicians:
I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel. And I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless who the American people choose as their next President, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.
Following Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection, Netanyahu stated the visit is an opportunity to thank him for his support for Israel throughout his political career:
I plan to see President Biden, whom I’ve known for over 40 years. 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 also stated he would discuss U.S. military support for Israel, and advancing goals in the “critical months ahead”:
It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries. Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel’s citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south. 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. Thank you.
