Biden expected to meet Netanyahu on July 25 at White House, US official says

WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 25 at the White House, a US official said on July 22.

Mr Biden has been battling Covid-19 since July 17 but is returning to Washington on July 23 from his beach house in Delaware. Mr Netanyahu will address a joint session of the US Congress on July 24.

Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu are expected to discuss ways to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, as well as Iran and other topics.

It will be Mr Biden’s first meeting with a foreign leader since he opted not to run for re-election and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Ms Harris is to meet Mr Netanyahu this week separate from Mr Biden’s meeting.

A Harris aide said she will stress to Mr Netanyahu that it is time for the Gaza conflict to end in a way where “Israel is secure, all hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can enjoy their right to dignity, freedom and self-determination”. REUTERS