Israeli President Isaac Herzog is currently in Washington DC where he will address a joint session of Congress at 11am Eastern time.

It is always significant when a high-ranking Israeli visits the White House, but this visit carries some unique intrigue. For example, why has Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not been invited to the White House? In Israel, the position of president is mostly a diplomatic one, while prime ministers hold the greatest power.

It is no secret the Biden administration has shunned Israel in general, and specifically Netanyahu. Last week, Biden called the Prime Minister’s governing coalition “the most extreme I have ever seen.” On more than one occasion Biden has tried to pressure Netanyahu to ease up on judicial reform in Israel and has continually pushed old worn-out “two-state solution” arguments in attempts to reinvigorate negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (who routinely antagonizes Israel). Taking “friendly threats” from one’s supposedly greatest ally is likely rubbing the hawkish Prime Minister the wrong way.

I’ve said it before and it is worth repeating: Despite Joe Biden proclaiming himself to be a Zionist, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He stands on the wrong side of the “blessing/curses” scale God warns of in Genesis 12:3. (He is also dragging America down the same snake hole that will invoke curses upon our nation. Joel 3:2 presents the same blessing/curses similarity, but on a national level.)

Benjamin Netanyahu regained his position as Prime Minister 7 months ago, yet despite much to be discussed between close allies, the White House has begrudgingly refused to invite Netanyahu to DC. Finally, on a call with Biden only a couple days ago, an invitation was extended, but no dates or plans were set. No one should treat their greatest ally that way.

Meanwhile, mild-mannered President Herzog presses on with his cordial meetings with Biden, Harris and members of the Security Council. There are certain things I hope Herzog does while in the US:

1. Nail down specific details for a visit between Benjamin Netanyahu and Joe Biden. Force Biden’s hand by firmly confronting the fact that ignoring America’s greatest ally in the Middle East is detrimental to both US and Israeli interests. If Biden refuses to commit, I hope Herzog uses his address to Congress or a media opportunity to inform the American public of the dangers in stiff-arming an ally while an enemy builds and aims nuclear weapons you way.
2. I hope Herzog challenges America’s Congress (and Americans in general) to embrace the shared Judeo-Christian values that so deeply connect our countries. I hope he cites Biblical principles, such as God’s command to stand with Israel, and I hope he anchors his speech and his meetings in the fact our two nations exist and thrive because of God’s blessing.
3. Perhaps Herzog will harken back to Israel’s rebirth in 1948, and the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967…both miraculous victories in which the US both acknowledged Israeli sovereignty and provided assistance to enable Israel to avoid extinction.
4. It is imperative that Herzog dedicates time during his Congressional address (as well as UN meetings later this week) to warn our lawmakers and other world leaders of the dangers posed by Iran. It is time to peel back the curtain to reveal what is known about Iran’s progress toward nuclear power. It is also time to throw down the gauntlet to advise the world that action must be taken to stop Iran. Herzog needs to be tough and immovable in the face of “big brother.”
5. Finally, Herzog must represent Israel in a way that demands respect. No namby-pamby catering to US pressure. I pray he speaks with clarity, conviction and pointedness.

As pressure squeezes Israel on all sides, it is time for Christians everywhere to pray, stand and support them. God commands it, and it is our privilege to live on the side of blessing!