Biden, Bennett to Hold First White House Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is set to visit the White House on Thursday for talks with U.S. President Joe Biden about Iran, security issues and the coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting will be the first time the two leaders speak in person since Bennett became prime minister in June. “It's a chance for the prime minister to hear directly from the president his ironclad commitment to Israel's security and self-defense, and supporting Israel's defense needs,” a senior Biden administration official told reporters ahead of the meeting. The official said the impending end of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan will free more resources and attention for other priorities, including relations with Israel.