At least two people were killed, one of them a 6-year-old boy, in a car attack in east Jerusalem Friday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an investigation and the detention of associates of the Palestinian attacker. Two weeks ago, seven people were killed at a shooting attack in Jerusalem.

Friday’s attack adds to the pressure Netanyahu is under both within his coalition and from the Biden administration.

Three months since his election victory and five weeks since his government was sworn in, Netanyahu is still waiting for an invitation to the White House. Senior American officials did come to Jerusalem last month, among them national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and CIA Director William Burns.

Speculation about the timing of a new Israeli prime minister's first White House visit is a ritual at this point. In Netanyahu’s case, such an invitation has been forthcoming after every election since 2009. He has probably seen the inside of the Oval Office more times than most foreign leaders. Nor is there a need for an introductory meeting with President Joe Biden. They have known each other for decades.