Netanyahu to Hold Individual Discussions with Biden and Harris at the White House

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to hold separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday. This high-profile encounter unfolds against the backdrop of a shifting 2024 election landscape and ongoing efforts to broker a cease-fire agreement in the Middle East.

The day’s agenda begins with Biden hosting Netanyahu in the Oval Office at approximately 1 p.m. ET. Following their meeting, the two leaders will convene with the families of American hostages held in Gaza, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. This session, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in the White House Cabinet Room, underscores the administration's commitment to addressing the hostage crisis.

Notably, this marks the first face-to-face encounter between Biden and Netanyahu since the President’s visit to Israel shortly after Hamas' October 7 attack. The timing of this meeting is significant, reflecting the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israeli relations in the wake of recent events.

Vice President Harris is set to engage with Netanyahu at 4:30 p.m. in her ceremonial office. This meeting has gained additional significance following Biden’s recent withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, elevating Harris to a more prominent role on the national stage. Her absence from Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, due to a pre-scheduled event in Indianapolis, has only heightened anticipation surrounding their meeting.

A senior administration official, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, outlined the key topics on the agenda. Biden is expected to reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security while addressing the multifaceted threats posed by Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The official emphasized that discussions will focus deeply on the situation in Gaza, particularly on cease-fire negotiations and the pressing humanitarian crisis.

The administration’s optimism regarding a potential cease-fire agreement was evident in the official’s statement. "We believe a deal is closable, and it's time to move to close that agreement," the official remarked, suggesting that negotiations may be entering a critical phase.

Vice President Harris, who has been actively involved in the Israel-Gaza conflict over the past ten months, brings her own depth of experience to the table. Her participation in every call with Netanyahu and crucial meetings with hostage families underscores her integral role in the administration’s Middle East policy.

In his address to Congress, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Biden for his "tireless efforts on behalf of the hostages" and his support for their families. The Israeli Prime Minister also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the two leaders, noting their 40-year acquaintance and Biden’s self-proclaimed status as a "proud Irish American Zionist."

The administration official emphasized the unity of purpose between Biden and Harris, stating, "There will obviously be no daylight between the president and the vice president." This assertion of cohesion comes at a time when the world is closely watching for any signs of divergence in U.S. foreign policy.

As the White House prepares for this diplomatic marathon, the stakes could not be higher. The meetings with Netanyahu offer an opportunity for the U.S. to reaffirm its role in Middle East peace efforts while navigating the complex web of regional alliances and tensions.

The day’s events will be closely scrutinized not only for their immediate outcomes but also for their potential long-term implications on U.S.-Israeli relations and broader Middle East dynamics. As Biden and Harris engage with Netanyahu, they carry the weight of American foreign policy interests and the hopes of those seeking stability in a volatile region.

In a curious footnote to this high-level diplomatic engagement, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, adding another layer of intrigue to an already complex political landscape.

As the world watches, the outcomes of these meetings could potentially shape the trajectory of Middle East peace efforts and influence the geopolitical chessboard for years to come. The White House summit stands as a testament to the enduring importance of U.S.-Israeli relations and the critical role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.