Biden-Netanyahu Tension Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict: Unraveling the Rift Explained
- Posted on December 15, 2023
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 231 Views
The Israel-Hamas war intensifies as US President Joe Biden criticizes Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling a strained alliance. The Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting international calls for an immediate ceasefire. Biden faces domestic criticism for supporting Israel, while Western allies shift positions, advocating a sustainable ceasefire. Tensions escalate in US-Israel relations, impacting the post-war governance of Gaza.
As
the Israel-Hamas war surpasses two months, the deepening humanitarian crisis in
Gaza fuels a widening rift between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rising death toll, exceeding 19,000
Palestinians, prompts growing international calls for an urgent ceasefire.
Despite mounting pressure and Israel's isolation, Netanyahu vows to persist
until Hamas is eradicated.
The
Biden-Netanyahu relationship, less amicable than the previous Trump-Netanyahu
alliance, faces scrutiny amid the ongoing conflict. Biden's recent critique at
the White House highlights the diplomatic strain, criticizing Israel's
"indiscriminate bombing" and urging a change in Netanyahu's
government. Their discord becomes more evident as Biden labels Netanyahu's
government the "most conservative" in Israel's history.
Biden's frank remarks coincide with increasing criticism of his pro-Israel stance, both domestically and within his Democratic Party. Western allies, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, break from their previous positions, supporting a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposes a humanitarian ceasefire resolution, vetoed by the US, drawing international condemnation.
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Biden's
shift in tone suggests a potential crack in his unwavering support for Israel.
The US, previously urging Israel to protect civilians, faces challenges in
post-war Gaza governance, with Netanyahu rejecting US-backed Palestinian
Authority authority. The historical tensions between Biden and Netanyahu,
rooted in disputes over Iran and internal Israeli policies, resurface amid the
current crisis.
As
the situation deteriorates, the Biden administration urges Israel to transition
from large-scale offensives to targeted operations against Hamas, emphasizing
civilian life preservation. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan
discusses this shift with Netanyahu, underscoring the need for a
Palestinian-led future for Gaza. The diplomatic dilemma unfolds as Biden seeks
a delicate balance between supporting Israel and addressing global calls for
peace.