Biden Embraces Netanyahu with Open Arms for Critical Talks on Challenging Matters
Biden warmly welcomes Netanyahu for crucial talks, emphasizing their enduring friendship and shared interests This highly anticipated meeting marks their first one-on-one since Netanyahu's return to office Additionally, President Biden is scheduled to meet with Brazil's President during his visit
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embraced their longstanding friendship as they convened in New York on Wednesday. This highly anticipated meeting marked their first one-on-one encounter since the prime minister resumed his role in December. In a cordial manner, Biden extended a warm welcome to Netanyahu, expressing their intention to delve into challenging topics, such as the delicate matter of "checks and balances." This alludes to the ongoing tensions surrounding the prime minister's recent initiatives aimed at reforming the judiciary system.
"Today, we will address the challenging aspects of our partnership, which involve safeguarding democratic principles such as checks and balances within our systems. Additionally, we are dedicated to preserving the opportunity for a peaceful two-state solution and ensuring that Iran never gains possession of a nuclear weapon," stated Biden.
Furthermore, he emphasized, "Even though we may have certain disagreements, my unwavering commitment to Israel remains steadfast. I firmly believe that Israel's existence is essential for the security and well-being of Jews worldwide."
Biden acknowledged his longstanding friendship with Netanyahu, recalling that they had worked together since his early days as a senator. Playfully, he mentioned losing track of the exact length of their friendship. Netanyahu chimed in, confirming that it had indeed surpassed four decades.
Highlighting the potential for collaboration, both leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing economic relations. Biden also praised the growing bond between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting took place during the United Nations General Assembly instead of at the White House, where Biden will meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky later this week. Netanyahu, who has not been invited to the White House since assuming office again, is widely seen as being excluded due to the Biden administration's disapproval of the Israeli government's proposed judicial reforms.
As the meeting commenced, Biden expressed to Netanyahu his desire to reconnect in Washington before the year's end.
Amidst the mass protests and strikes that paralyzed Israel earlier this year, Biden delivered an exceptional and scathing criticism of the suggested reforms.
"I am deeply concerned, like many ardent advocates for Israel. It is imperative that they rectify this situation promptly. I have conveyed this firmly," Biden expressed to reporters in March.
"Optimistically, the prime minister will take action that allows for meaningful negotiation and finding a true middle ground," he remarked, emphasizing, "However, only time will tell."
The Israeli Supreme Court conducted hearings on the legislation aimed at limiting its authority last week.
In July, the office of Prime Minister Netanyahu proudly announced that he had received an "invitation" to meet with President Biden in the United States. However, the White House explicitly avoided describing it as an invitation and had previously not disclosed the location of the meeting between the two leaders.
Biden also set to meet Brazils President
In addition, Biden is scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, where they will also actively participate in an event centered around labor-related matters. Following this, Biden will proceed to attend two campaign fundraisers before making his way back to Washington, DC.
During the meeting with Lula, it will be announced by the two leaders an international partnership focused on workers' rights, according to a senior administration official who informed CNN.
According to the same official, this partnership, scheduled for Wednesday, is a direct outcome of the shared vision of the two leaders regarding the economic system's functioning for the benefit of workers. This initiative also highlights Biden's commitment to enhancing and broadening the bilateral partnership in order to champion workers' rights globally and tackle the significant obstacles that working individuals face worldwide.
The meeting on Wednesday represents the second occasion where the two presidents have met in person. Prior to this, Biden welcomed Lula to the White House only one month after a group of protesters, aligned with the far-right former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, stormed government institutions in Brasilia following Bolsonaro's electoral defeat.
As per the official, both countries will utilize this partnership to address various challenges that they perceive in the global economy. These challenges include worker exploitation, forced labor and child labor, enhancing accountability in both public and private investments, transitioning to clean energy, overcoming issues arising from the digital economy, and tackling discrimination against women, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as racial and ethnic groups.
However, the Biden administration is currently grappling with its own labor challenges. On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers strike against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, who manufacture vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands, will enter its sixth day. Economists are warning that the US economy is already being negatively affected. In recent months, workers from various industries, including Hollywood writers, nurses, factory workers, and Starbucks baristas, have gone on strike to demand better pay, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions.
During a call with reporters previewing Wednesday's announcement, an official made it clear that this initiative should not be misconstrued as discouraging or restricting the right to strike. The right to strike is a crucial aspect of freedom of association, collective bargaining, and workers' rights in general.
The partnership is commencing as a bilateral collaboration, however, officials have expressed the possibility of other countries joining in the future.
"We do intend to broaden our partnership to include other countries. However, it is important for us to first establish a clear understanding of the key areas of focus and the implementation strategies before involving additional partners," stated the official on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Biden commences his second day at the UN General Assembly. Yesterday, he vigorously advocated for backing Ukraine, as Russia's ongoing conflict approaches its second winter. This plea comes amidst Congress preparing for a contentious debate over the allocation of future US assistance to the war-ravaged nation.
