Netanyahu To Meet Chinese Leaders After US Continues To Ignore His New Government

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In a move apparently designed to snub the US for ignoring Israel’s new government over the last half year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit China next month, according to Israeli sources Monday.

While there, the premier is slated to meet with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. Advanced contacts have been held in recent days between the two leaders’ offices to arrange the visit, the sources said, although no fixed dates have been set or announced.

Officials on both sides refused to comment or confirm the coming trip, but it is signalling to the US that Israel has other diplomatic options, as President Biden continues to break with tradition and not invite the elected Israeli premier to visit the US.

“Netanyahu is not going to stand and wait for an invitation that is not forthcoming to visit the White House. He is also working in parallel channels,” one diplomatic source said.

“China has stepped up its involvement in the Middle East of late, and the prime minister needs to be there in order to represent Israel’s interests,” the source added.

China brokered the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.

It is believed that Netanyahu will try to advance relations with Saudi Arabia with the help of China, as US officials have claimed in recent weeks that actions by Netanyahu’s government, such as settlement approvals, were pushing Riyadh away.

China has also stepped up its dealings with the PA. Hosting PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing last week on an official visit, it presented Abbas with a new Chinese plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Senior sources described Netanyahu’s imminent trip as “framework-breaking.” The US has long held major sway in the Middle East, with Israel as one of its most important allies in the region.

A pivot to China could shift that relationship, but prove a major boost for Beijing’s influence over the Middle East. By hosting Netanyahu, Xi will seemingly broadcast China’s seriousness about engaging in the region and its interest in a new relationship with Israel.

The Israeli sources noted that President Isaac Herzog is set to visit the White House in three weeks’ time, which could somewhat balance the picture in terms of ties with the United States. Though a figurehead, Herzog has taken a more active role in foreign policy matters than many of his predecessors.