President Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis may disrupt his schedule, potentially delaying a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. According to a report from Axios journalist Barak Ravid, Netanyahu’s team is no longer expecting the meeting to take place. An Israeli official told Ravid that Netanyahu, who is in Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings, is still awaiting a response from the White House. This uncertainty comes as Biden continues to recover from COVID-19 in isolation at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. While his symptoms have almost completely resolved, according to his physician, Biden remains focused on fulfilling his presidential duties. The potential meeting delay also follows Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2024. He has formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, with numerous prominent Democrats joining his endorsement. Netanyahu, who is scheduled to address Congress on Wednesday, is still expected to meet with Harris. He has also requested a meeting with former President Donald Trump this week, though it is unknown whether Trump has agreed. Prior to departing Israel for Washington, D.C., Netanyahu assured reporters that Israel would stand by the United States regardless of who is elected president. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating unity between Israel and the United States in the face of global uncertainty and conflict.
Biden’s COVID Diagnosis May Delay Meeting with Netanyahu
