US President Biden waiting to meet with Netanyahu before withdrawing bid, advisers suggest - NYT

US President Joe Biden has faced increased calls to withdraw from the 2024 presidential elections over concerns relating to his advanced age - which he may abide by after he speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The New York Times claimed on Friday citing advisers.

Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Wednesday to address Congress and meet with Biden.

Both Biden and the White House have refuted claims that Biden is planning to drop out of the race.

Democrats continue to support Biden

“The president is in this race,” Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, the campaign chairwoman, said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Friday. “You’ve heard him say that time and time again.”

The 81-year-old president’s performance in a debate with his opponent Donald Trump was the catalyst for much of the demand he step aside.

Biden is working towards a decision on whether to stay in the presidential race that is good for the country, Senator John Hickenlooper told Reuters. He noted sadness among Democrats about the president but stopped short of saying he should step aside.

"Joe Biden has always put the country first. He's done what's best for America...I think he'll keep doing so," Hickenlooper said in a telephone interview late Wednesday. "He's working towards that."

Asked about Biden potentially stepping aside, Hickenlooper said: "That's his decision to make, but certainly there's more and more indications that that would be in the country's best interests, I think."