President Biden did not deny threatening to cut off aid to Israel during a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House National Security Council spokesman mentioned that Biden warned Netanyahu about possible US “policy changes” if actions were not taken to prevent civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip. This call followed Biden’s remarks about having a serious conversation with Netanyahu regarding Gaza after his State of the Union address. Despite the initial strong show of support during Israel’s offensive in Gaza, Biden’s administration has become increasingly critical, especially after an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of aid workers.
During the call with Netanyahu, Biden expressed continued support for Israel but hinted at unspecified consequences if measures were not taken to mitigate civilian harm in Gaza. This stance has caused a backlash from various Democratic voting blocs, including younger Americans, Muslim Americans, and Arab Americans who may jeopardize Biden’s re-election chances in key swing states. The president highlighted the importance of preventing further Palestinian deaths in Gaza but has still approved the transfer of additional weaponry to Israel, including bombs and fighter jets, indicating a complex relationship between the US and Israel.
Despite concerns over civilian casualties and the actions taken by Israel in Gaza, Biden’s administration has continued to authorize significant weapon shipments to Israel. These approvals include a range of bombs and fighter jets, with plans for further weapon sales in the future. The potential sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel for billions of dollars signals the alliance between the two countries despite the growing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The Biden administration’s decision to supply weapons to Israel has been met with mixed reactions due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The tension between the US and Israel has escalated following the recent Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of aid workers in Gaza. The pressure on Israel to change its approach to civilian casualties and humanitarian aid has led to discussions about potential policy changes between Biden and Netanyahu. The US has threatened repercussions if necessary actions are not taken to mitigate the harm to civilians. This complicated dynamic has put Biden in a difficult position as he tries to balance support for Israel with growing criticism from various Democratic constituencies.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, coupled with the Biden administration’s mixed messaging on the issue, has raised concerns about the US-Israel relationship and the US’s role in the Middle East. The potential consequences of continued support for Israel, both in terms of weaponry sales and diplomatic actions, have sparked debates within the Democratic Party and the broader public. Biden’s handling of the situation in Gaza and his approach to Israel will likely have significant implications for his presidency and the future of US foreign policy in the region. As the conflict continues, Biden’s administration faces pressure to take decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while maintaining a delicate balance in its relationship with Israel.
