Biden to host Israel's Herzog at White House on July 18

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden will host Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog on July 18 to discuss security, the Middle East and Russia’s "deepening military relationship" with Iran, according to the White House on Thursday.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the visit will highlight the enduring partnership and friendship between the US and Israel as the country celebrates its 75th anniversary.

"President Biden will reaffirm the ironclad commitment of the United States to Israel’s security. The two leaders will discuss opportunities to deepen Israel’s regional integration and to create a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East," she said.

Biden will stress the importance of "our shared democratic values, and discuss ways to advance equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and security for Palestinians and Israelis," according to Jean-Pierre.

"The leaders will also discuss Russia’s deepening military relationship with Iran, and Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region," she added.

Herzog will meet Vice President Harris on July 19 at the White House, and will address the joint session of the Congress.

Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar from the state of Minnesota said she will boycott Herzog's address to Congress.

"There is no way in hell I am attending the joint session address from a President whose country has banned me and denied @RashidaTlaib the ability to see her grandma," Omar wrote on Twitter Wednesday.