In preparation for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a Joint Session of Congress, security around the U.S. Capitol has been significantly tightened. One member of Congress was overheard remarking to a security agent, “A lot of security today, are you keeping us safe?” The agent assured her, to which she responded, “That’s what we were told on January 6th, and yet I ended up wearing a gas mask,” in a light-hearted tone.
Netanyahu’s address comes during a sensitive geopolitical moment and a period of transition in U.S. domestic politics. President Joe Biden recently announced his decision not to seek re-election and will address the nation this evening, marking his first public statement since endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his preferred successor.
With Harris now juggling her responsibilities at the White House and on the campaign trail, she will not attend the Joint Session of Congress. The White House has confirmed that President Biden will host Netanyahu at the White House for a bilateral meeting tomorrow.
According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “The leaders will discuss developments in Gaza, progress towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal, and the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, including countering Iran’s threats to Israel and the broader region.”
Following the meeting, Biden and Netanyahu will meet with families of Americans held hostage by Hamas. Vice President Harris is also scheduled to have a separate meeting with Netanyahu on July 25.
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