President Joe Biden is attempting to change Israel’s approach to the conflict in Gaza, putting his own credibility and America’s credibility on the line in the process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being pressured to take specific steps to ease civilian suffering and protect aid workers, with Biden facing a critical choice if Netanyahu does not comply. There is the possibility that the terms of US support for Israel may be conditioned based on actions taken in Gaza, marking a significant shift in American policy towards Israel.
There are early signs that Netanyahu may be considering making changes, as the Israeli security cabinet approved steps to ease humanitarian aid flow into Gaza. However, a sustained pivot by Israel will be necessary to ease criticism and mitigate Biden’s domestic political exposure. The recent deaths of aid workers in Gaza have intensified outrage and put pressure on both Biden and Netanyahu to act swiftly to address the situation.
The US is raising the idea of imposing conditions on its support for Israel, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken warning that policy changes could occur if there is no swift action by Netanyahu. While the White House has expressed frustration with Israeli tactics in the past, it has been hesitant to impose leverage on the prime minister. This latest attempt to do so represents a significant line being crossed and could signal growing tensions between the two allies if results are not achieved.
Biden’s need to demonstrate pressure on Israel is evident, especially to sectors of his Democratic coalition who are critical of the war in Gaza. The administration is taking a strong stance, calling for immediate changes and measures to protect civilians in Gaza. The public diplomacy surrounding the call between Biden and Netanyahu highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if Netanyahu chooses not to cooperate.
Netanyahu has a history of defying US pressure and has not yet responded directly to Biden’s latest demands. While tensions between the two leaders are escalating, US support for Israel’s security remains strong. Political interests and national security considerations are creating a divide between the US and Israeli leadership, with Biden facing political blowback and Netanyahu potentially prolonging the conflict for his own political gain.
Netanyahu’s reluctance to address US concerns stems from prioritizing security threats and political alliances in Israel. However, defying public requests from a US president could isolate Israel internationally and have significant repercussions. If Biden’s warnings continue to be ignored, he may be forced to impose consequences on Netanyahu, potentially straining an already delicate relationship. The unfolding situation in Gaza presents a fateful crossroad for both leaders as they navigate critical decisions moving forward.
