The White House Avoids Disclosing Whether Biden Will Meet Netanyahu in Washington

The White House refrained from revealing today, Sunday, whether U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington next month to deliver a speech to Congress. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated in an interview on CBS's “Face the Nation”: "I have nothing to announce today," adding that the two leaders are in constant communication. Sullivan mentioned that "he's coming to speak to Congress, the president talks to him all the time." Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on July 24, with Biden being a strong supporter of Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, although their relationship has experienced tension due to Israel's actions during the war. Biden is campaigning for re-election in November amid criticism from his left-leaning political base over his support for Israel amid a sharp increase in Palestinian casualties during its military operations in the region. Sullivan expressed hope that a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages could be achieved before Netanyahu's visit to Washington. He stated that Hamas simply needs to say "yes" and agree to the proposal on the table to make that happen. Biden, who is returning to the United States later today from France, welcomed the rescue of four hostages held by Hamas by Israeli forces and pledged to continue working until all hostages are released and a ceasefire is reached.