President Joe Biden is set to have his first phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. Biden is said to be angry and frustrated by the incident and is planning to express his feelings to Netanyahu during the conversation. While the US continues to support Israel’s military operations in Gaza, there has been a shift in Biden’s frustrations towards the situation.
In addition to discussing the need to better protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, Biden is expected to touch on various other issues during his call with Netanyahu. These topics include increasing humanitarian aid entering Gaza, ongoing hostage and ceasefire negotiations, as well as concerns about a potential ground incursion into Rafah. The US administration has demanded changes be made by the Israel Defense Forces regarding the transmission of information about aid worker locations.
Israel has taken responsibility for the attack that killed the World Central Kitchen aid workers, with Netanyahu acknowledging that innocent people were unintentionally struck in Gaza. World Central Kitchen had coordinated the convoy’s movements with the Israeli military. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed forces to maintain communication with international organizations and to coordinate aid distributions after the incident. A joint situation room has been opened to facilitate this coordination.
The White House’s response to the incident has been increasingly critical, highlighting a growing disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and its continued support for Israel in the form of military aid. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged that conversations with the Israeli government have been tough, but did not elaborate on any potential consequences for Israel as a result of the strike. The Biden administration’s position on Israel remains unwavering, despite the heightened tensions surrounding the recent events.
The phone call between Biden and Netanyahu will serve as an opportunity for the two leaders to address the fallout from the airstrike and discuss ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. Biden’s frustrations with the situation are expected to be a central focus of the conversation, as well as the need to ensure the safety of humanitarian aid workers operating in Gaza. The aftermath of the attack has prompted calls for greater transparency and coordination between the Israeli military and international organizations working in the region.
In conclusion, the phone call between Biden and Netanyahu will be a crucial moment in the ongoing relationship between the US and Israel, as both leaders seek to navigate the fallout from the recent airstrike that resulted in the deaths of aid workers in Gaza. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of the US’ support for Israel, with the Biden administration facing pressure to address the situation while reaffirming its commitment to the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.
