Biden’s meeting with Netanyahu in question amidst health concerns

U.S. President Joe Biden’s anticipated meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week is contingent on Biden’s recovery from COVID-19, the White House announced on Thursday.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated during a briefing that while there is an expectation that Biden and Netanyahu will meet, the specifics are yet to be determined. “We have every expectation that the two leaders will have a chance to see each other while Prime Minister Netanyahu is in town,” Kirby said. However, he added, “I can’t tell you at this point what that exactly is going to look like.”

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the U.S. Congress on Wednesday. Israeli media had previously reported that a meeting with Biden was set for Monday. Nevertheless, Kirby emphasized that the President’s health takes precedence. “We need to make sure that the president’s health and his recovery from Covid takes priority and if and how that might affect a discussion with the prime minister,” he said.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza is expected to be a central topic of discussion. Biden is likely to push for a peace agreement with Hamas. Ahead of Netanyahu’s visit, Israeli lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state. This move has been criticized by the United Nations and contradicts U.S. goals for the region.

Kirby reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to a two-state solution. “I think the best way I can respond to that is to just reiterate our firm belief in the power and the promise of the two-state solution,” he said. “And that is not something that President Biden is going to give up on.”

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is currently experiencing mild symptoms. The diagnosis has temporarily sidelined him from the campaign trail amid growing pressure from Democrats regarding his reelection bid. Despite his illness, Kirby assured that Biden’s responsibilities have not been affected. “While he’s certainly focused on getting better, as anyone who has Covid would want to do, he’s being kept up to speed as appropriate by his leadership team and certainly that includes on the national security front,” Kirby stated.