Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to receive a formal White House invitation during U.S. President Joe Biden’s term. But now, Israeli President Isaac Herzog—slated to be in Washington to address a joint session of Congress—has been invited twice to the White House.
On July 18, Biden “looks forward to welcoming Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the White House,” Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, announced on July 13. She noted that the visit, amid Israel’s 75th anniversary, “will highlight our enduring partnership and friendship.”
The following day, Herzog will return to the White House to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, Jean-Pierre stated.
Biden will reaffirm the ironclad U.S. commitment to Israeli security, and he and Herzog will “discuss opportunities to deepen Israel’s regional integration and to create a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East.”
“President Biden will stress the importance of our shared democratic values, and discuss ways to advance equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and security for Palestinians and Israelis,” she added. “The leaders will also discuss Russia’s deepening military relationship with Iran, and Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region.”
Biden is snubbing Netanyahu over a disagreement about the Iran nuclear deal, U.S. lawmakers told JNS.
Herzog and Netanyahu discussed the Iran nuclear threat on July 13 at the Israeli president’s residence.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), known for boycotting Israel and anti-Israel criticism, has already announced that she will boycott Herzog’s speech to Congress.
