In a bid to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the United States and Israel, President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday at the White House. This meeting comes at a time when tensions between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been mounting.

While the White House officials have portrayed the meeting as an opportunity to discuss preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reaffirming the commitment to Israel's security, there are underlying strains between the two governments. President Biden has voiced his frustrations with Netanyahu's stance on Israeli settlements and his attempts to bring changes to the judicial system.

Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role in Israel's government, has been chosen for the visit, which could be seen as a way for Biden to demonstrate his commitment to Israel without extending the political benefits of a meeting with Netanyahu. Israel has long been considered a crucial ally in the Middle East, receiving substantial financial aid from the United States each year.

Apart from addressing the areas of tension, the meeting will also focus on areas of cooperation, such as progress towards normalizing relations with other Middle Eastern nations and diplomatic efforts with the Palestinians. However, Herzog's visit has not been without controversy, as some lawmakers have planned to boycott his address to Congress in protest of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

This visit occurs at a time when tensions between the United States and Israel are particularly high due to disagreements over settlement construction and the authority of Israel's Supreme Court. Despite these tensions, the Biden administration has consistently denied any discussions of a formal reassessment of the US-Israel relationship and continues to support Israel at the United Nations.

The visit by Isaac Herzog serves as a reminder of the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel, illuminating both the shared values and the challenges they face. As the meeting approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome, hoping for a positive step towards strengthening the bond between the two nations.