U.S. President Joe Biden is meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, whose term is nearing its end, at the White House on Monday to hold extensive discussions about the U.S. efforts to return to the Iranian nuclear deal and the formation of a new government in Israel. The meeting comes just weeks after Naftali Bennett took office as the new Prime Minister of Israel, succeeding Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. officials are working to arrange a meeting between Biden and Bennett in the coming weeks.
Biden's meeting with Rivlin takes place amid concerns in Israel and Arab capitals regarding U.S. efforts to return to the Iranian nuclear deal, fearing that the agreement might eventually allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons, putting them at risk of Iranian military intimidation or threats.
American efforts to revive the nuclear deal, from which former President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018, are proceeding slowly, with Tehran insisting that the U.S. lift all economic sanctions imposed on it. An informed source stated that Biden is expected to inform the Israeli president that the U.S. and Israel share the same goal of preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons. Additionally, Biden will affirm U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the war Israel fought with Gaza over 11 days. The U.S. had pledged to upgrade Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which was heavily utilized during the Gaza conflict. Rivlin is set to leave office on July 7 after spending seven years in his position, to be succeeded by Isaac Herzog, the head of the Jewish Agency.
