Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington this week, facing pressure to conclude the Gaza war from both Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages and a US administration increasingly focused on the upcoming presidential election. This marks Netanyahu's first visit to his most significant international ally since his record sixth term as prime minister began at the end of 2022. The trip has been overshadowed by President Joe Biden's decision not to seek re-election.
A meeting with Biden is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, contingent on the president's recovery from Covid-19, and Netanyahu is expected to address the US Congress on Wednesday. Following months of strained relations with Washington over Israel's conduct in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, this visit presents an opportunity for Netanyahu to reset ties with the US. His congressional speech is anticipated to emphasize coordination between Israel and the US in addressing the escalating Middle Eastern crisis, which risks expanding into a broader regional conflict.
Netanyahu's address is likely to be less contentious than his 2015 speech, where he criticized then-President Barack Obama's push for a nuclear agreement with Iran. US demands for Israel to resume talks with Palestinians and threats to withhold arms have highlighted Israel's perception of weakened ties under Netanyahu. He has also faced domestic protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The invitation to address Congress, a rare honor typically reserved for close US allies, was arranged by the House of Representatives' Republican leadership, which has accused Biden of insufficient support for Israel. There are no immediate indications that Netanyahu will meet with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, despite their close relationship during Trump's presidency.
While Netanyahu should expect a warm reception in Congress, protests on US campuses suggest a hostile reception outside official Washington. Activists opposing Israel's Gaza offensive and US support plan to protest at the US Capitol on Wednesday. Police anticipate a large turnout and are enhancing security measures.
Israel has faced international isolation over its Gaza campaign, which has resulted in nearly 39,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health authorities, along with the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians. The International Court of Justice's recent ruling that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal was criticized by Washington, following similar actions by the International Criminal Court's prosecutor.
Domestically, Netanyahu faces increasing demands for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of 120 hostages still held there. He has resisted calls for an inquiry into the security lapses before the October 7 attack, which led to 1,200 deaths and over 250 abductions. Opinion polls indicate that most Israelis hold him accountable and would vote him out if elections were held. Netanyahu will be accompanied by Noa Argamani, a hostage rescued by Israeli commandos, whose presence has been criticized by other hostage families.
