Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long been accustomed to being in the spotlight during his visits to the United States, where he has enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians. However, his latest visit came at a critical moment in the presidential campaign, as Democratic President Joe Biden announced the day before Netanyahu’s arrival that he would not seek re-election. Instead of finding welcoming environments, Netanyahu was largely overshadowed by local events during his visit.
The trip became even more complicated when Netanyahu had to cut it short following a rocket attack on a Druze town in the occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 people. Israel has accused Hezbollah for the attack, but the Lebanese group has denied responsibility. While the European Union (EU) has called for an independent investigation into the incident, the United States has blamed Hezbollah, underscoring Netanyahu’s reliance on Washington at a time when he faces increasing isolation both domestically and internationally.
Netanyahu’s popularity in Israel is at its lowest point, with many Israelis frustrated by his failure to secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ attacks on October 7, who are still being held in Gaza. In Washington, D.C., Netanyahu had the opportunity to deliver his fourth address to the U.S. Congress – the highest number for a foreign leader – but it was noted that dozens of lawmakers boycotted the event in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where the Israeli military has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians since the beginning of the conflict.
Netanyahu met with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican nominee Donald Trump. However, Harris highlighted the suffering of the population in Gaza after their meeting, while Trump stated last week that Israel must quickly conclude the war against Gaza due to negative publicity and global reaction.
Analysts point out that the timing of Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. was always challenging as the presidential campaign intensified. He faces a difficult balancing act of appeasing both sides of the American political divide while avoiding the impression of bias. With the current Democratic support for Harris, who signals a more pro-Palestinian policy than Biden, the future appears uncertain for Netanyahu.
Concerns among analysts suggest that Trump, known for his volatile personality, could bring unpredictability for Netanyahu. “It’s not as straightforward as one might think,” said Mitchell Barak, a former advisor to Netanyahu. “Netanyahu knows that Biden will overlook personal disrespect if it means he can continue protecting Israel. With Trump, it’s much more personal.”
Netanyahu’s speech to Congress demonstrated that nearly all politicians in Washington, especially among Republicans, still hold firm positions in support of Israel. However, there are signs that this relationship is changing, partly due to Netanyahu’s direct involvement in American politics. “It’s not as bipartisan as it used to be, and Netanyahu’s trip will only bolster the voices against Israel within the Democratic Party,” said HA Hellyer from the Carnegie Institute.
In light of ongoing domestic opposition and international isolation, U.S. support for Israel will remain more crucial than ever. The U.S. provides Israel with military aid, economic assistance, and diplomatic protection at the United Nations (UN). However, support among American politicians is beginning to wane, which concerns Netanyahu, who increasingly relies on Washington during a time of rising global criticism.
“It’s only the U.S. that remains the virtually sole open support for Israel left in the world,” said Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council. “Even in Europe, support is faltering.” Facing challenges both nationally and internationally, Netanyahu’s journey to the U.S. can be seen as an attempt to secure continued American support at a time when his position is more fragile than ever.