High-Stakes Diplomacy: Netanyahu's U.S. Visit Amid Political Turmoil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House, despite Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. Biden is recovering from COVID-19, affecting the meeting's schedule. Netanyahu will also address Congress and meet with VP Kamala Harris, facing high-stakes amid global and U.S. political uncertainties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House this week, despite the recent announcement of Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, a source familiar with Biden's schedule confirmed on Sunday.

The official, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, noted that the exact timing of the meeting remains uncertain as the President is currently recovering from COVID-19.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday and will also meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now pursuing the Democratic Party's nomination.

An Israeli official, speaking under anonymity pending an official statement, confirmed Netanyahu's plans to travel to Washington on Monday. The visit comes as Netanyahu leaves behind a brutal conflict to deliver a politically sensitive speech amid heightened uncertainty following Biden's decision not to seek re-election.

With ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, rising concerns about the conflict potentially spreading to Lebanon and Yemen, and the U.S. presidential campaign in full swing, Netanyahu's visit could create turbulence on both sides of the Atlantic.

The stakes have further escalated with Biden's exit from the race, particularly given the undecided nature of the next Democratic nominee and the future American leader who Netanyahu will eventually have to engage with.

(With inputs from agencies.)