Biden and Netanyahu Expected to Meet Amid Strained Relations

U.S. President Joe Biden plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, contingent on his recovery from COVID-19. This will coincide with Netanyahu’s address to the U.S. Congress. The leaders have had strained relations over the Gaza conflict, in which 38,000 people have died.

U.S. President Joe Biden expects to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, contingent upon his recovery from COVID-19, the White House announced Thursday. Netanyahu is slated to visit Washington for a July 24 address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.

Vice President Kamala Harris also plans to meet Netanyahu. Biden, under scrutiny from fellow Democrats after a poor debate performance against Donald Trump, tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently recuperating.

The U.S. and Israel have had strained relations due to Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict, which has claimed over 38,000 lives. However, plans for the meeting remain tentative, dependent on Biden’s health.