Netanyahu in Washington, testing America

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in the US on Monday coinciding with President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Biden at the White House on Tuesday, followed by an address before Congress on Wednesday.

Some senators, including Bernie Sanders, have announced they will not attend Netanyahu’s speech.

The Israeli leader faced protests at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu also faces demonstrations by anti genocide protesters in Washington DC.

Analysts say the Netanyahu visit is a test for American leadership to show sincerity toward peace and a resolution of the Palestinian issue.

The Biden administration is expected to advance a cease-fire proposal and explore a vision for the post-war era in Gaza.

While Biden has strongly supported Israel, his administration is increasingly concerned about the Israeli military’s human rights violations amid its ongoing war on Gaza.

Earlier this year, Biden paused the delivery of certain bombs over fears they might be used in Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

Additionally, the US abstained from a UN Security Council vote in March on a cease-fire and prisoner release.

Biden faces criticism from progressive Democrats and some Arab Americans, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning Netanyahu’s war conduct.

A letter from 500 Israeli public figures to Congress criticized Netanyahu’s planned visit, accusing him of pursuing self-serving policies aligned with far-right allies.