President Joe Biden has issued a stark warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s diminishing global support due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During a Washington D.C. campaign fundraiser, Biden expressed his most direct criticism yet of the Israeli government, highlighting the tough decisions Netanyahu must make.
Biden’s critique focuses particularly Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he describes as “indiscriminate bombing.” He emphasized the need for a long-term solution, citing that the current Israeli administration, the most conservative in the nation’s history, is obstructing progress towards a two-state solution.
Netanyahu, in a video statement, acknowledged the disagreement with Biden, especially over the role of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza post-war. He firmly opposed any involvement of entities he perceives as supporting terrorism in Gaza’s governance, insisting on a stance against both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. This position conflicts with Biden’s vision, which includes the Palestinian Authority in future governance solutions.
Biden has maintained a supportive position towards Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, defending Israel’s right to self-defense. However, his recent comments signal a shift, highlighting concerns over civilian casualties and the potential for a turn in global public opinion. He alluded to this during a White House Hanukkah reception, underlining his historical differences with some Israeli leadership and the importance of careful decision-making in the current scenario.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports significant civilian casualties since October 7, numbers that increase on a daily basis and that as of yesterday topped 18,000, intensifying calls for a ceasefire. The U.S. recently vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, with the argument that it could lead to future conflicts. Despite a temporary pause last month, the conflict resumed, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
This situation marks a challenging phase in the long-standing relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, with Biden’s recent remarks indicating a nuanced approach that seeks a balance between supporting Israel’s defense and advocating for a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
