United States President Joe Biden addressed Americans on Wednesday, explaining that he had dropped out of the 2024 election ending a prolonged silence after announcing the decision via a post on X on Sunday. 

Biden, reportedly subject to pressure from fellow Democrats to drop out of the presidential race, did so on Sunday and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. 

The current president, who is nearing 82 years of age, spoke to Americans from the Oval Office, saying that it was time to pass the torch to "younger voices."

"I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation," he said.

He called for an end to political division in the US and said that the country was more powerful than "any dictator or tyrant."

Biden's prospects for securing a second term in office this November were thrown into serious doubt after his lackluster performance at the CNN-hosted presidential debate against his rival, former President Donald Trump.

Now, Trump is likely to face Harris in the upcoming election, who Biden believes is an "experienced," "tough," and "capable" candidate. 

Read more: VP Harris lost 91.5% of her staff since assuming office in 2021

Netanyahu schedules three meetings with Biden, Harris, Trump

The US president also said that he would work to end the war in Gaza and bring back Israeli captives. 

He claimed that he would also work "to bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war."

The remarks come ahead of an anticipated meeting between Biden and the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the White House postponed the meeting until Thursday, as Biden had been recovering from Covid. 

Netanyahu addressed Congress on Wednesday, making sure to thank both Joe Biden and Donald Trump for their efforts in aiding the Israeli occupation. 

However, his speech came under high scrutiny from both Democrats and his Israeli political rivals, as he made no mention of a prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance during the extensive address. 

Biden on the other hand, has been highly critical of Netanyahu's domestic policies, however, has made every effort to aid the Israeli government's war on Gaza. The Israeli prime minister's visit to Washington comes at a pivotal point, as uncertainty in the upcoming election means that he will meet with Biden on Thursday and has scheduled a separate meeting with Harris on the same day, while also planning a meeting with Trump in Florida on Friday. 

Read more: Netanyahu begs US to fast-track military aid to expedite Gaza war end