Bob Woodward’s new book, “War,” sheds light on the private disagreements between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the lack of strategy in Gaza. Despite publicly maintaining a strong friendship with Netanyahu, Biden reportedly criticized him in private conversations. He allegedly expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s decisions regarding military actions in Gaza, including an attempted retaliatory attack on Iran and plans for a ground invasion in Rafah. These private sparrings indicate a more complex relationship between Biden and Netanyahu than what is publicly portrayed.
The book reveals that Biden tried to dissuade Netanyahu from launching certain military actions, such as a retaliatory attack on Iran in response to missiles launched at Israel. Despite Biden’s advice, Netanyahu proceeded with attacks, prompting Biden to express disappointment in his decisions. The private disagreements highlight a struggling relationship behind the scenes, contrasting with the public perception of a strong alliance between the two leaders. These tensions were reportedly sparked by differences in strategy and decision-making around military actions in the region.
Biden and Netanyahu’s private disputes unfolded against the backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, with the Israeli military continuing to conduct airstrikes and ground invasions that resulted in significant civilian casualties. While Biden publicly supported Israel, privately, he allegedly criticized Netanyahu’s actions and questioned the lack of strategy behind military operations. The private struggles reflect a more nuanced relationship between the US and Israel, beyond the surface-level diplomatic engagements that are typically highlighted.
The book also details Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu’s unilateral military actions in Lebanon, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank, leading to civilian casualties and heightened tensions in the region. Despite mounting criticisms within his own party and calls to reevaluate the US-Israel alliance, Biden continued to support Israel’s military campaigns, causing further strain on their private interactions. As Netanyahu expanded his military operations beyond Gaza, Biden found himself increasingly at odds with the Israeli prime minister’s approach to regional conflicts.
The lack of progress on a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, despite mediation efforts by the US and other countries, further underscores the challenges in the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu. While Biden faced pressure to reconsider his unconditional support for Israel’s military actions, he ultimately maintained his public stance as a staunch ally. The revelations in Woodward’s book offer a glimpse into the complexities of US-Israel relations, highlighting the tension between public diplomacy and private disagreements that shape international policy and decision-making. Overall, the book paints a nuanced picture of the dynamics between Biden and Netanyahu, challenging the conventional narrative of a seamless partnership between the two leaders.
