U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week, the White House said on Friday.

“We have every expectation that the two leaders will have the chance to see each other while Prime Minister Netanyahu is in town,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Mr Netanyahu is due to address the U.S. Congress on the Gaza war on July 24.

Mr Kirby did not give a date for the meeting between the two leaders.

Mr Biden had tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolating at his private residence in Delaware.

“Obviously, we need to make sure that the president’s health and his recovery from COVID take priority, if and how that might affect the discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu, we’re just not in a position today to be able to help,” he said.

Mr Biden and Netanyahu last met in October in Tel Aviv, shortly after the October 7 attacks where militants from Hamas and other groups killed more than 1,200 people.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive.

According to the Gaza health authority, at least 38,794 people were confirmed dead, and almost 90,000 were injured since the start of the current war. 

(dpa/NAN)