Joe Biden Set to Meet Netanyahu and Zelensky in Key Diplomatic Engagements

• Financial

Next week, in a move that has political analysts buzzing, President Joe Biden is scheduled to have his inaugural in-person rendezvous with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Netanyahu's return to office. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Additionally, President Biden will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington later in the same week, marking their third face-to-face engagement.

Strengthening US-Israel Ties

President Biden's impending meeting with Netanyahu comes at a time when there is keen interest in the evolving dynamic between the two nations. "On Wednesday, President Biden will sit down with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan elucidated at a recent press briefing.

Their conversation will revolve around "the shared democratic values between the United States and Israel and a vision for a more stable, prosperous, and integrated region." Additionally, the two leaders are set to exchange views on strategies for "effectively countering and deterring Iran." It's worth noting that since his reinstatement as Prime Minister in December, Netanyahu has yet to receive an invitation to the White House.

Many political pundits believe this absence of an invitation to be an implicit disapproval from the Biden administration concerning the Israeli government’s proposed judicial reforms.

Continued Support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's impending visit to the White House holds significant geopolitical weight.

Sullivan emphasized that this meeting "certainly comes at a critical time, as Russia desperately seeks help from countries like North Korea for its brutal war in Ukraine, even as Ukrainian forces persist in their counter-offensive." As hostilities continue, President Biden is anticipated to seek insights from President Zelensky and reaffirm the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Sullivan added, "President Biden looks forward to hearing President Zelensky’s perspective on all of this, and to reaffirm for the world, and for the United States, for the American people his commitment to continuing to lead the world in supporting Ukraine as it defends its independence, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity."