Biden Hosts Israeli President Isaac Herzog at White House, Navigating Tensions Over Netanyahu’s Policies

In a bid to maintain strong ties with Israel, President Joe Biden welcomed Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the White House on Tuesday, even as the U.S. expressed concerns over the controversial plans of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Herzog’s visit comes after a phone call between Biden and Netanyahu, during which the U.S. president invited the Israeli leader to meet in the United States later in the year, albeit with reservations about some of the hard-right coalition’s policies.

Netanyahu’s government has been pushing for significant changes to the judicial system in Israel, leading to widespread protests within the country. Additionally, the authorization of thousands of new housing units in the West Bank has drawn criticism from many American Jewish groups and Democratic lawmakers. Critics argue that these measures could undermine the delicate system of checks and balances, potentially leading the nation towards authoritarianism.

During Herzog’s visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and congressional leaders. Furthermore, he is set to address Congress, marking Israel’s 75th year of independence. However, his visit comes in the wake of Israeli forces’ recent intensive operations in the West Bank, including a two-day air and ground offensive in Jenin, an area known as a militant stronghold. Such actions have intensified the debate over Israel’s control of the West Bank and the prospects for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

While the U.S. has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself against militant attacks, it has also called for restraint to protect civilians and opposed further settlement expansion in the West Bank, which could impede the path to a viable two-state solution.

Concerns have been raised over the delay in Netanyahu receiving a White House visit, which is standard protocol for Israeli prime ministers. However, the ongoing tensions over the judicial reforms and settlement construction have likely influenced the scheduling decisions. The Biden administration has urged for a broader consensus on the legislative changes promoted by Netanyahu’s coalition.

Progressive lawmakers, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, and Ilhan Omar, have announced their boycott of Herzog’s address in protest of Israel’s policies. In a related incident, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, faced criticism for referring to Israel as a “racist state,” though she later clarified that her remarks were directed at the government’s policies, not the country’s existence.

The situation remains complex, with Israel holding control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the 1967 Mideast war, while the Palestinians claim these territories for their future independent state. As tensions persist, the challenge for President Biden lies in maintaining a delicate balance between supporting Israel’s security while advocating for a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians.