President Biden publicly criticized Israel's conduct in the ongoing conflict in Gaza during a fundraising event in Washington.
The remarks revealed a widening divide between the US and its closest ally in the Middle East, with Biden expressing concern over the indiscriminate bombing and a lack of international support for Israel, as per SCMP.
Biden Criticizes Netanyahu's Government
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 13: U.S. President Joe Biden addresses his National Infrastructure Advisory Council during a meeting in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on December 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden talked about his administration's success in passing the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that is "not just about building infrastructure," he said. "It’s about building better infrastructure.”
Biden, describing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as the "most conservative in Israel's history," expressed dissatisfaction with their unwillingness to pursue a two-state solution in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The President acknowledged Israel's initial backing from the US but noted diminishing global support due to the indiscriminate bombings in Gaza.
The rift became more apparent as Netanyahu rejected American pressure to involve the Palestinian Authority in Gaza's governance post-conflict. He insisted on preventing the entry of those who "educate for terrorism, support terrorism, and finance terrorism" into Gaza, emphasizing that it would not become either "Hamastan or Fatahstan."
The exchange highlighted a changing stance from the US, which had previously supported Israel both in action and rhetoric. However, Biden's critical remarks underscored his concerns over the civilian casualties in Gaza, with over 15,000 reported deaths and widespread displacement, according to health authorities in the territory.
The President pledged to continue supporting Israel's right to defend itself but emphasized the need for Netanyahu to make moves toward a two-state solution. Biden's public message evolved from initial support to urging Israel to protect civilians in Gaza during its conflict with Hamas, according to The Washington Post.
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Biden Rebukes Netanyahu, Spotlights Gaza Crisis
The tension between the two leaders escalated as Biden directly addressed Netanyahu's comparison of US actions after World War II. The President asserted that institutions were established to prevent such actions from recurring and highlighted the importance of Israel as a free-standing state for the safety of Jews worldwide.
As the conflict continues, concerns rise over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations reported extensive damage, with nearly 40,000 buildings destroyed or damaged and severe shortages of food, water, and basic goods.
The US administration, despite its continued support for Israel, is now looking into reports of Israel's use of white phosphorus, supplied by the US, along the Lebanon border, potentially violating international law.
Biden's invitation to the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas for a face-to-face meeting signals ongoing efforts to address the crisis. However, the growing frustration among the families, slow progress in hostage releases, and challenges in brokering humanitarian pauses highlight the complexity of the situation.
Within Biden's efforts to garner support for increased aid to Israel's military campaign, the long-standing alliance between the United States and Israel faces challenges due to escalating tensions and evolving dynamics in the region.
The President has made a call for a change in approach, highlighting the importance of the delicate negotiations currently underway with Netanyahu. This serves as a clear indication of the intricate diplomatic efforts that are necessary to effectively navigate the ever-evolving situation in the Middle East, Mail Dailys reported.
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