Biden trip to Israel would have security, political risks
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jarrett Renshaw and Humeyra Pamuk
WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's White House is wrestling with thorny security and political challenges as officials consider a potential trip to Israel that may hold longer-term diplomatic advantages for Biden.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Biden, who has been outspoken in his support for Israel, Washington's closest Middle East ally, still reeling after a devastating cross-border assault by Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7 in which 1,300 Israelis were killed.
The White House declined to comment on any planning for the trip. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement that «we have no new travel to announce.» A source said on Sunday that U.S. and Israelis officials were discussing the possibility of a visit soon.
Such a trip would be a rare and risky choice, showing American backing for Netanyahu as the U.S. tries to avert a broader regional war involving Iran, its Lebanese ally Hezbollah and Syria, and as food and fuel run low in Gaza, where authorities say more than 2,800 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.
A visit would, however, grant Biden fresh leverage to influence events on the ground and bolster his image at home.
Biden and Netanyahu, uncomfortable allies in the best of times, have joined forces despite being at odds over the path forward in the Middle East with Biden frequently stressing support for independent Israeli and Palestinian states.
A meeting in person would allow Biden to privately discuss concerns and possible red lines in a looming Israeli ground invasion of Gaza.
«Biden needs to look Netanyahu in the eye and make sure he understands that America's global
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