After nine months of anticipation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is finally set to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly. However, this encounter promises to be a delicate diplomatic dance that is unlikely to mend the strained relationship between these two leaders.
The White House announced that President Biden is scheduled to convene with Prime Minister Netanyahu in New York on Wednesday. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted that their discussions will encompass a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, with a focus on shared democratic values between the United States and Israel. They will also delve into their vision for fostering a more stable, prosperous, and integrated region, along with strategies to counter and deter Iran effectively.
Sullivan’s reference to shared democratic values underscores the unease within the Biden administration regarding the aggressive judicial reforms championed by Netanyahu’s hardline coalition. These reforms are perceived as a threat to the judiciary’s independence and have sparked a significant protest movement in Israel, including declarations from thousands of military reservists seeking release from service.
Biden’s administration has further expressed frustration over the accelerated expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a major obstacle to achieving peace with the Palestinians and a two-state solution.
Notably, some prominent Israeli artists and intellectuals, including the renowned writer David Grossman and painter Tamar Getter, have urged President Biden to avoid a meeting with Netanyahu altogether. Their open letter, signed by 3,500 Israeli academics and public figures, condemns Netanyahu’s government for undermining the country’s institutions, fostering division among citizens, and neglecting the Palestinian conflict.
Although Netanyahu announced his visit to the United States, a key ally that provides substantial military aid to Israel, no official meetings with U.S. officials were initially announced, an unusual omission for visiting Israeli prime ministers. Netanyahu, who often highlights his close ties to the U.S., has roots in both Jerusalem and Philadelphia.
Earlier this year, President Biden stated that he had no immediate plans to meet with Netanyahu. However, in July, it was confirmed that a meeting would take place, although the Biden administration refrained from labeling it an official invitation and did not specify the meeting location. This contrasted with the warm welcome extended to Israel’s President Isaac Herzog during his White House visit in July.
According to reports, the question of inviting Netanyahu led to disagreements among Biden’s advisers. Ultimately, a compromise was reached for a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, as a meeting in the White House was seen as potentially endorsing Israeli government policies. The Biden administration also sought to avoid importing Israeli politics and potential protests outside the White House, which could alienate progressive members of the Democratic party.
While a White House invitation remains a possibility later in the year, the Biden administration appears keen to use it as leverage, awaiting developments in the Israeli supreme court’s review of the judiciary legislation.
Additionally, such an invitation could serve as an incentive for Netanyahu to cooperate in a deal that normalizes relations with Saudi Arabia. However, this deal would likely require concessions benefiting Palestinians, potentially involving the transfer of West Bank territory to Palestinian governance.
Despite their decades-long acquaintance, there is no personal bond between Biden and Netanyahu. President Biden acknowledges the Israeli leader’s previous interventions in U.S. politics in favor of Donald Trump and considers the current Israeli cabinet one of the most extreme in his extensive political career. Nonetheless, he recognizes the importance of maintaining a diplomatic relationship with Israel, especially in light of Iran’s advancing nuclear program.
During his visit, Netanyahu will also meet with leaders of the U.S. Jewish community and engage with tech industry leaders, including Elon Musk, in San Francisco to discuss issues such as antisemitism on social media platforms.
In this diplomatic tightrope walk, President Biden aims to balance the demands of international diplomacy, the concerns of his administration, and the realities of U.S.-Israel relations.