Joe Biden to visit Israel
White House of U.S. President Joe Biden is grappling with complex security and political issues as officials explore a prospective trip to Israel that might provide Biden with longer-term diplomatic gains. Biden, who has been vociferous in his support for Israel, Washington’s closest Middle East friend, was invited by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is still in shock following the deadly cross-border attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on October 7 that claimed 1,300 Israeli lives.
White House maintaining silence
The White House declined to offer any comments regarding the trip’s preparations. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated in a statement “we have no new travel to announce.” On Sunday, a source claimed that American and Israeli officials were debating the likelihood of an upcoming visit.
Such a trip would be an uncommon and dangerous decision, demonstrating American support for Netanyahu as the U.S. works to prevent a larger regional war involving Iran, Syria, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as as food and fuel become scarce in Gaza, where authorities claim more than 2,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.
Joe Biden gets the power to shape the situation in Israel
However, a visit would give Biden new power to shape the situation there and improve his reputation at home. Even when they disagree on the best course of action for the Middle East, Biden and Netanyahu remain uneasy allies. Biden routinely emphasizes his support for independent Israeli and Palestinian governments.
Joe Biden may discreetly discuss concerns and potential red lines in a planned Israeli ground invasion of Gaza during a face-to-face discussion. “Biden needs to look Netanyahu in the eye and make sure he understands that America’s global reputation is at stake and an occupation of Gaza will drag both countries into a protracted conflict,” said Kirsten Fontenrose, a former U.S. national security official who is now a fellow at the Atlantic Council.
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US Secretary encountered danger in Israel
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Israel for discussions, was compelled to seek refuge alongside Netanyahu in a bunker for five minutes after sirens went out during their meeting. This incident highlights the distinct security threats associated with a Biden trip.
Israelis continue to seek cover from Hamas-fired rockets around the nation as the country prepares for a ground offensive in Gaza that is expected to exacerbate the humanitarian disaster there. Lebanon and Israel have also exchanged missiles.
Similar visits to Israel are planned for this week by other Western leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, parliamentarians, and members of Congress. U.S. presidents rarely go to visit allies soon after a crisis begins; instead, they usually delegate this responsibility to a senior diplomat or defense officer.
“Presidential visits try to be tightly choreographed and wars are never tightly choreographed,” said Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
