“I am leaving this for a very important trip to the United States at a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts and when there is great political uncertainty in Washington.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took off on Monday for Washington, where he will seek to solidify bipartisan support for the Jewish state on the backdrop of President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 election.
“I am leaving this for a very important trip to the United States at a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts and when there is great political uncertainty in Washington,” said Netanyahu on the tarmac before boarding his flight.
“I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel. And I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless of who the American people choose as their next president, Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East,” he added.
Netanyahu noted that he will meet with Biden at the White House, despite the U.S. president’s decision not to seek a second term in office and as the 81-year-old Democrat recovers from COVID-19.
“It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israeli citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south,” continued the premier.
“In this time of war and uncertainty, it is important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together—today, tomorrow, and always,” he added.
Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday that the two leaders will meet on Tuesday, ahead of the prime minister’s address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24.