Bibi Netanyahu offered spectacle over substance in America

The timing of Binyamin Netanyahu’s first trip abroad since Israel’s war in Gaza began over nine months ago was not propitious. The evening before the Israeli prime minister left for Washington, Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection as president. American lawmakers were preoccupied with domestic politics even as they welcomed Mr Netanyahu. So, too, was the Israeli prime minister, even as he left his country behind.

Mr Netanyahu’s address to a joint meeting of Congress was the main event, at least for him. It was a way to emphasise, both to Israelis and to the Biden administration, the support that he enjoys there. The meetings scheduled with Mr Biden and his potential successors, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, or Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic candidate, were afterthoughts. He had angled for the invitation for months even as tensions with the Biden administration worsened over Israel’s war. It came, at last, from the Republicans, who remain friendly towards him, and then, more grudgingly, from the Democrats many of whom were absent during his speech, including Ms Harris. His address was received rapturously, with standing ovations, proving once again how popular Mr Netanyahu is among Republicans. Whether that will impress Israelis is another matter.