The meeting between President Joe Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan in Washington on Monday is occurring at a crucial juncture in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and it could be a pivotal moment for Biden’s presidency.
Following the release of special counsel Robert Hur’s report, which contained politically sensitive passages regarding the president’s memory, Biden is facing heightened scrutiny over his mental sharpness.
The report, focusing on the 81-year-old president’s age, prompted a robust news conference from Biden shortly after its publication.
However, despite the domestic political pressure, foreign crises, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict, remain a significant focus. During the recent news conference, Biden escalated criticism toward Israel, describing its response to the October 7 terror attack as “over the top.”
Biden and Jordanian King (Credits: The National)
Now, as King Abdullah, a crucial regional ally critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, visits the White House, Biden aims to demonstrate his command of the situation. The meeting on Monday is expected to delve into the ongoing Gaza crisis and efforts to find a lasting resolution.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted discussions on U.S. initiatives to support the Palestinian people, including enhanced humanitarian assistance for Gaza, and the vision for a durable peace, emphasizing a two-state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed.
Biden’s supporters often cite the Israel-Hamas conflict as evidence of his mental acuity. Vice President Kamala Harris pushed back against concerns about the president’s age, emphasizing her close involvement in post-attack meetings.
Harris, along with Democratic Rep. Daniel Goldman, who spoke with Biden ahead of his interview with Hur, commended the president’s sharpness during discussions on the Middle East situation.
In the meeting with King Abdullah, Biden faces high-pressure issues, with Jordan urging the White House to increase pressure on Israel amid its Gaza campaign, marked by a significant humanitarian toll. Previous cancellations of planned meetings by Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority underscore regional concerns.
The recent attack in Jordan resulting in the death of three American soldiers has added complexity to the situation, leading to retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militias.
Despite these challenges, the primary focus of the meeting will be on achieving a cessation of fighting and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 terror attack.
Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extensively discussed a potential deal for the release of hostages on Sunday. While there is a framework in place, there are acknowledged gaps that need resolution.
In recent months, the U.S. has sought to exert pressure on Israel to support a “humanitarian pause” in its conflict with Hamas. However, these efforts have seen limited success, and Netanyahu has dismissed recent ceasefire and hostage deal proposals from Hamas as “delusional.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that negotiations for an agreement will persist despite Netanyahu’s characterization of certain proposals as “absolute non-starters.”
