US-Israel Relations Strained as Biden Signals Possible Withdrawal of Support

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Tuesday cautioned by US President Joe Biden about the potential consequences of Israel’s “indiscriminate” bombing in Gaza.

While addressing a gathering to raise funds, Biden urged Netanyahu to reassess his stance on a two-state resolution for the Palestinians, stressing the potential loss of global backing for Israel’s battle against Hamas. Netanyahu, in return, acknowledged a “difference of opinion” with Biden on the administration of post-conflict Gaza, unveiling an unusual split between the two leaders. Biden, speaking at a campaign event in Washington, recognized that Israel initially received substantial support after the Hamas assaults, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, with hundreds being held captive.

However, he observed a decline in this backing as a result of Israel’s bombings being carried out without distinction. The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, stated that more than 18,400 individuals, primarily civilians, had lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory attacks on the region. On the 7th of October, the President of the United States voiced his apprehension for the security of innocent Palestinians, underscoring the significance of their well-being.

Furthermore, the President announced that Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, is scheduled to head to Israel this week to participate in meetings with the war cabinet. He countered Netanyahu’s claims and denied the allegation that Germany was flattened with an indiscriminate bombing campaign or that Japan was attacked with nuclear weapons in World War II. The President reaffirmed the significance of global organizations formed as a result of the war to deter comparable horrific acts. He also acknowledged the errors committed by the U.S. in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.

Additionally, Biden recognized the difficulty in confronting Netanyahu amidst his staunchly conservative government. This statement highlights an emerging divide as the United States’ plea for Gaza to be turned over to a strengthened Palestinian Authority encounters lukewarm reactions from Israeli officials. Currently, the Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank, while the Gaza Strip is controlled by Islamist Hamas. Following a conversation with Biden, Netanyahu acknowledged that there was disagreement between the allies concerning the future of Hamas.

The mention of the “Oslo mistake” refers to the peace deals that were sealed in the United States in 1993. Over the past few weeks, Washington has been urging Israel to exercise more caution to avoid the tragic loss of innocent lives in Gaza. There is a genuine concern about the escalating number of Palestinian casualties. Within the United States, a chorus of voices, primarily from the left wing of the Democratic Party, has been growing louder, calling on President Biden to take a firmer approach towards Israel and possibly reevaluate the military assistance provided by the US.