Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington, D.C. is fraught with political challenges both in Israel and the United States. At home, he is contending with public anger over the Gaza war and the failure to secure the release of hostages. In the U.S., there is division over Israel's handling of the conflict and treatment of Palestinians. However, the political upheaval surrounding President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race has shifted the focus in Washington. During his visit, Netanyahu aims to secure bipartisan support for Israel and strengthen his relationship with President Biden, despite recent tensions. He also seeks to improve his international image, particularly in light of growing criticism over the war in Gaza. However, some analysts believe that the timing of his visit is ill-suited, given the current turmoil in the U.S. Netanyahu plans to address Congress, where he will encounter both supporters and critics. While his speech is expected to be less contentious than his previous one in 2015, it may still highlight divisions within the Democratic Party. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been more critical of Israel than Biden, will not preside over the joint session of Congress but is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu separately. The war in Gaza has led to increased scrutiny of Israel's actions, with concerns raised about civilian casualties and potential war crimes charges. The ongoing conflict also complicates efforts to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Additionally, Israel's settlement activity and the rejection of a Palestinian state by the majority of Israel's Parliament have strained relations with Democratic administrations. Critics in Israel have questioned Netanyahu's decision to leave the country amid multiple ongoing challenges, including the unresolved hostage situation in Gaza. His visit to Washington has been described as a "vanity tour" by some analysts, who believe he is seeking to bolster his domestic support through a powerful speech to Congress. Despite the complexities and criticisms surrounding the visit, Netanyahu hopes to demonstrate his statesmanship and rally support both at home and abroad. However, some analysts argue that his international standing has diminished, and the significance of the visit lies primarily in its symbolism.