Netanyahu Set for Key Talks with Harris, Biden Amid US-Israel Tensions

### Netanyahu’s Visit to the White House Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday for a meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This visit comes at a critical time for all three leaders as they face mounting pressure to resolve the nine-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 39,000 deaths. Additionally, dozens of Israeli hostages remain in Hamas captivity, along with the remains of others who have died in captivity.

President Biden is pushing for a proposal to release the remaining hostages in Gaza through a three-phase plan, which would be a significant achievement for the 81-year-old Democrat who recently announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Harris instead. Successful negotiations could also benefit Harris in her presidential bid. White House officials have indicated that the negotiations are nearing completion, though some issues remain unresolved.

After their meeting, Biden and Netanyahu will meet with the families of American hostages. Vice President Harris will have a separate meeting with Netanyahu later in the day, aiming to showcase her capability as a potential commander in chief. Harris faces scrutiny from the political left for not pressuring Netanyahu enough to end the war and from Republicans questioning her support for Israel.

A senior administration official emphasized that there is no disagreement between Biden and Harris on Israel. Harris has participated in over 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu and last met with Netanyahu one-on-one in March 2021.

Netanyahu is also navigating political pressures at home, from the families of hostages urging for a ceasefire to far-right coalition members demanding continued military action against Hamas. In a recent address to Congress, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions during the war and criticized the International Criminal Court’s accusations of war crimes. He praised Biden’s support but also highlighted actions taken by former President Donald Trump that benefited Israel, such as recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

Netanyahu condemned protesters near the U.S. Capitol as “useful idiots” for Iran. Security at the White House has been heightened in anticipation of his visit.

Harris faced criticism for not attending Netanyahu’s address to Congress, with Republicans questioning her commitment. White House officials stated her absence was due to scheduling conflicts, as she had events in Indiana and Texas.

Despite the controversy, Harris has consistently supported Israel. Her first Senate trip was to Israel in 2017, and she has strong personal and professional ties to the country. Harris has aligned with Biden on the conflict, though she has occasionally taken a stronger stance on issues such as humanitarian conditions in Gaza and judicial reforms in Israel.

Critics of Biden’s handling of the Gaza war will be watching Harris’ interactions with Netanyahu closely. Voters in key electoral battlegrounds are particularly interested in whether Harris will take a different approach from Biden’s policies. Layla Elabed, a leader of the “uncommitted” voter movement, expressed hope that Harris will act to save lives and uphold international law.