Biden to Show US Support for Israel in Tel Aviv Visit
Biden visiting Israel– President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The trip is meant to demonstrate the US’s unwavering support for its ally and its right to defend itself from rocket attacks. However, Biden will also urge Israel to minimize civilian casualties and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Why is Biden visiting Israel?
Biden has been invited by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has known him for four decades. The two leaders have spoken several times since the outbreak of violence on October 9, 2023, when Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem and other Israeli cities. Israel responded with airstrikes and artillery fire on Gaza, targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure.
Biden has expressed his solidarity with Israel and condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. He has also reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Israel’s security and its qualitative military edge in the region. The US has provided Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid and has blocked UN resolutions that criticize Israel’s actions.
However, Biden has also called for a de-escalation of the conflict and a restoration of calm. He has expressed concern over the rising death toll and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 200 Palestinians have been killed, including 61 children. He has also urged Israel to avoid further escalation and refrain from a ground invasion of Gaza.
Biden will meet with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Tel Aviv to discuss the situation and the prospects for a ceasefire. He will also hear from Israel how it will conduct its operations in a way that minimizes civilian casualties and enables humanitarian assistance to flow to civilians in Gaza.
Biden visiting Israel, What else will Biden do in the region?
Biden will also travel to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He will discuss the efforts to end the hostilities and address the underlying causes of the conflict.
Biden will express his support for a two-state solution that would create an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. He will also stress the importance of resuming direct negotiations between the parties and restoring trust and cooperation.
Biden will also announce a plan to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, in coordination with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and other international partners. He will call for the opening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is controlled by Hamas, and for the safe passage of Americans and others who want to leave Gaza.
Biden will also seek an update on the hostages held by Hamas, including several Americans. He will demand their immediate release and condemn Hamas for using them as bargaining chips.
Biden visiting Israel, What are the challenges and opportunities for Biden?
Biden faces a delicate balancing act between supporting Israel and addressing the plight of the Palestinians. He has to deal with a complex and volatile situation that could escalate into a wider regional war. He also has to navigate the domestic political pressures from different factions within his own party and the public opinion.
Biden’s visit could be seen as a sign of strength and leadership, or as a risky move that could backfire if violence continues or worsens. It could also be an opportunity for Biden to demonstrate his diplomatic skills and his vision for peace in the Middle East.
Biden’s visit could also influence the outcome of the Israeli elections scheduled for November 28, 2023. Netanyahu is facing a tough challenge from his former ally Naftali Bennett, who leads a right-wing party that opposes any concessions to the Palestinians. Biden’s visit could boost Netanyahu’s image as a statesman who can secure US support, or it could undermine his credibility if he fails to deliver a ceasefire or faces criticism from Biden.
How will Biden’s visit affect the US-Israel relationship?
Biden’s visit could strengthen or strain the US-Israel relationship, depending on how it goes. The relationship has been close but not always smooth, especially during the Obama administration, when Biden was vice president. Netanyahu clashed with Obama over issues such as Iran’s nuclear deal, Israeli settlements, and the peace process.
Biden has tried to repair the relationship since taking office, emphasizing his personal friendship with Netanyahu and his commitment to Israel’s security. However, he has also faced some disagreements with Netanyahu over Iran’s nuclear program, which Biden wants to revive while Netanyahu opposes it.
Biden’s visit could reaffirm the US-Israel alliance or expose its cracks, depending on how he handles the sensitive issues of Gaza, settlements, and Iran. It could also set the tone for future cooperation or confrontation between the two countries.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The trip is meant to show US support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but also to urge Israel to minimize civilian casualties and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Biden will also travel to Amman, Jordan, where he will meet with regional leaders and discuss the efforts to end the hostilities and address the underlying causes of the conflict. Biden’s visit could have a significant impact on the situation in the Middle East, the US-Israel relationship, and the domestic politics of both countries.