Biden and Netanyahu Discuss “Hard Issues” and the Future of Israel-Palestine Relations During Meeting

Washington, D.C. (AP) – President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, raising “hard issues” including protecting the “checks and balances” in a democracy. Biden also raised concerns about the far-right Israeli government’s treatment of the Palestinians, urging Netanyahu to take steps to improve conditions in the West Bank.

In a rare interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said negotiations over Israel means the prospects of normalized relations between both countries “get closer” every day, but that treatment of Palestinians remains a “very important” issue to be resolved.

The Saudis have said any deal would require major progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state, which is a hard sell for the most religious and nationalist government in Israel’s history. It was the first meeting between Biden and Netanyahu since the latter took office at the helm of his country’s far-right government.

The meeting comes amid months of mass protests in Israel over a judicial overhaul, and concerns in Washington over the situation. Biden is pushing Netanyahu to find a compromise on the issue, and to take steps to improve conditions in the West Bank.

The White House has not yet released any details of the meeting, but it is clear that Biden is pushing for a resolution to the issues facing Israel and the Palestinians. It remains to be seen if the two leaders can come to an agreement that will satisfy both sides.