Washington Netanyahu heads to US amid fears of growing regional war

Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet Joe Biden and address the US Congress today at a moment of historical political tumult, amid fears of a growing regional war in the Middle East.

- Ruth Michaelson, Andrew Roth

The Israeli prime minister arrived in Washington yesterday, a day after the US president bowed out of the presidential race.

Biden will face a major test of his ability to project US influence and restraint on Israel during the lame duck period of his presidency, while Netanyahu will be forced to walk a tightrope as he balances his diplomatic efforts between the Donald Trump-led Republican party and a reinvigorated Democratic campaign that may unite behind vicepresident Kamala Harris.

Speaking to reporters at Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu said Israel was "fighting on seven fronts and when there's great political uncertainty in Washington". He added: "I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel." Netanyahu and Biden's relationship has become strained in recent months and the Israeli leader had been seen as waiting out the Biden administration in favour of a second Trump term. But Biden's exit from the campaign creates new uncertainty for the elections, and could embolden him during talks with Netanyahu, according to analysts and insiders in Washington.