Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States started on rocky footing on Monday with a notable absence of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sec. of State Antony Blinken to welcome him upon his arrival.
Netanyahu’s important speech on Wednesday before Congress was also overshadowed a mere day before his arrival in Washington, DC, by Biden’s announcement that he is dropping out of the Presidential race this November.
Netanyahu and Biden are scheduled to meet on Thursday, during which Netanyahu plans to thank the President for his support for Israel, a move Jan Markell, Founder and President of Olive Tree Ministries, believes will be done out of simple obligation.
“Obviously, he knows he’s been so marginalized under Joe Biden,” Markell underscored to American Family News (AFN). “I think it’s going to be a very, very awkward time.”
“Bibi’s been a lifelong politician. He knows he’s got to say the right thing at the right time, and right now, he has to say that Joe Biden is a great friend,” she described. “90% of us know that’s almost laughable.”
“But remember, America still gives Israel $3 billion dollars,” Markell noted. “What are you going to say to the President of the country that gives that little nation $3 billion dollars? You’re going to say, ‘Thank you.'”
Netanyahu will also be traveling to Mar-a-Lago to see fmr. President and Republican nominee Donald Trump the day following his conversation with Biden. While his decision to meet with Trump drew ire, Netanyahu defended his decision, stressing the “great importance to the State of Israel that the prime minister will meet with President [Joe] Biden and the two leading candidates for the US presidency.”
During his time as President, Donald Trump became known for his exceptional support of Israel. His pro-Israel actions included the moving of the US embassy to Jerusalem, ripping up the Iran Nuclear deal, placing heavy sanctions on the terror funding regime in Tehran, and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.
The same level of support could not be said of the Biden Administration, which has placed constant pressure on Israel during its war with the terrorist organization Hamas and shamefully worked to withhold arms from Israel to apply leverage against an IDF operation in Rafah.
After months of fruitless conversations with the Biden administration, Netanyahu was left with no other choice but to publicly address the “inconceivable” withholding of arms. Shortly after, Senator Tom Cotton lambasted Biden for playing political games, calling it “deliberately misleading the American people and insulting a key ally.”
The Israeli PM’s current visit to the United States was not an easy road. Earlier this year, he was forced to cancel his scheduled trip to the US capitol in response to the Biden administration’s refusal to veto an anti-Israel resolution in March that demanded a ceasefire in Gaza with no contingency on the release of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas. The significant decision by the US not to block the “harmful resolution,” which was supported by Russia and China, was referred to by Netanyahu as an “abandonment of policy” that “gives Hamas hope.”
On May 31st, American Congressional leaders signed a letter formally inviting Netanyahu to address Congress after pressure from House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson stressed the importance of the “ironclad” relationship between the US and Israel and gave a deadline to Democrat leaders, warning he would move forward with the invitation with or without their approval.
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Riverside recently cautioned the United States that God’s blessing on America is contingent upon our nation’s treatment of Israel.
“It is in the best interest of the United States of America to stand with our loyal ally, the nation Israel,” Laurie urged. “God made a promise to Abraham years ago; He said, ‘I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you’ (Genesis 12:3). One of the reasons God has blessed the United States is because we have stood by our friend Israel.”
