The scheduled call between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday comes at a critical juncture, as both leaders grapple with extreme mutual tensions and political pressure. The deteriorating relationship between the two leaders has been evident in recent months, with disagreements over key issues such as the Iran nuclear deal and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For President Biden, this call represents a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he must navigate the demands of his progressive base, which has been increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling for a more even-handed approach. On the other hand, he must also consider the longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel, which has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for decades.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, is facing immense political pressure both domestically and internationally. Domestically, he is grappling with a fragile coalition government that includes parties from across the political spectrum, making it difficult to pursue a cohesive strategy. Internationally, there is growing criticism of Israel’s handling of the conflict in Gaza, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and allegations of human rights abuses.
Moreover, the conflict in Gaza poses an existential threat to both leaders’ political careers. For President Biden, a failure to effectively address the situation and de-escalate tensions could undermine his credibility on the international stage and erode support among his progressive base. For Netanyahu, the ongoing conflict has further polarized Israeli society and exacerbated divisions within his own government, making it increasingly challenging to maintain his grip on power.
Against this backdrop, the scheduled call between Biden and Netanyahu represents a critical opportunity for both leaders to recalibrate their relationship and find common ground. They must navigate the delicate balance between addressing the concerns of their respective constituencies and preserving the strategic alliance between their two countries.
As they engage in this high-stakes conversation, President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu will be acutely aware of the global spotlight on their every word and action. The outcome of this call could have far-reaching implications not only for the ongoing conflict in Gaza but also for the broader dynamics of the Middle East and the future of US-Israeli relations.
A Growing Frustration and Shifting Support
While Biden expresses growing frustration about the Israeli leader’s conduct of the military onslaught and its impact on civilians, the fundamentals of staunch US support for Israel are not shifting. The White House is demanding changes to Israeli procedures to shield civilians while simultaneously moving toward approving a sale of F-15 warplanes to Israel worth $18 billion.
The Biden-Netanyahu call will also come amid renewed fears in Washington that Israel’s actions could spark a regional conflagration. The conversation will take place with both leaders under enormous domestic pressure and signs that their political priorities are irreconcilable.
The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has not only caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza but has also strained the relationship between the United States and Israel. President Biden, who has long been a staunch supporter of Israel, is now facing mounting pressure from his own party to take a stronger stance against the Israeli government’s military tactics. The indiscriminate bombing of residential areas and the high civilian death toll have raised concerns among Democrats and human rights activists, who argue that the Israeli government is not doing enough to protect innocent lives.
While Biden acknowledges the importance of Israel’s security and right to defend itself, he has publicly expressed his frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. In a recent statement, Biden called for a de-escalation of violence and emphasized the need to protect civilians. He also urged Israel to take steps to prevent the eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem, a move that has been a major point of contention in recent weeks.
Despite his criticism, Biden is not abandoning Israel. The United States remains committed to its longstanding alliance with Israel and continues to provide significant military aid. The proposed sale of F-15 warplanes is a clear indication of this ongoing support. However, the White House is now demanding changes to Israeli procedures to ensure greater protection for civilians. This reflects a growing recognition that the status quo is unsustainable and that Israel must do more to avoid civilian casualties.
The Biden-Netanyahu call will be a critical moment in the relationship between the two leaders. Both Biden and Netanyahu are facing significant challenges at home, with Biden grappling with a deeply divided Congress and Netanyahu facing a potential ousting from power. These domestic pressures may further complicate their ability to find common ground and navigate the current crisis. Nevertheless, the call presents an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the US-Israel alliance and explore potential avenues for de-escalation and peace.
A Tense Backdrop to a Vital Call
Biden conducts tough-talking phone calls with world leaders as a matter of course, but Wednesday’s chat with Netanyahu has the feel of a critical moment for both the Middle East and Biden’s own presidency. The backdrop to the call is US fury over the killings of seven aid workers in an Israeli strike in Gaza.
Biden accused Israel of doing too little to protect civilians and aid workers in the devastated enclave. Despite rising pressure for Biden to do more to constrain Israel, the White House insists there has been no change in its policy of supporting its ally in its response to Hamas terror attacks.
The tragic incident in Gaza has intensified the already complex dynamics between the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians. The Biden administration finds itself in a precarious position, torn between its commitment to Israel’s security and its desire to promote peace and protect innocent lives. The phone call with Netanyahu serves as a crucial moment for President Biden to address these pressing concerns and assert his administration’s stance on the matter.
The international community is closely watching the outcome of this conversation, as it could potentially shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States, being a key player in the region, holds significant influence and has the ability to sway the course of events. However, finding a delicate balance between supporting Israel and advocating for the rights and safety of Palestinians is a challenging task that requires careful diplomacy.
While Biden’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza demonstrates a willingness to hold its ally accountable, the White House’s affirmation of its support for Israel’s response to Hamas attacks underscores the complexity of the situation. Striking the right balance between condemning violence and ensuring Israel’s security is a delicate tightrope act that requires nuanced decision-making.
Moreover, the phone call between Biden and Netanyahu comes at a time when tensions in the region are already high. The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and the destruction of infrastructure. The international community, including the United States, has been urging both sides to de-escalate and seek a peaceful resolution.
As the conversation unfolds, President Biden will likely address not only the recent Israeli strike but also broader issues such as the need for a ceasefire, the resumption of peace talks, and the long-standing Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. These topics have been contentious and have hindered progress towards a lasting solution for decades.
The outcome of this call will have far-reaching implications, not only for the United States and Israel but also for the entire region. A successful dialogue that promotes peace, protects civilians, and addresses the root causes of the conflict could pave the way for a more stable and secure Middle East. Conversely, a failure to find common ground could lead to further escalation and a deepening of the humanitarian crisis.
As the world waits for the details of the conversation to emerge, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the decisions made by President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu will shape the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have lasting consequences for the region as a whole.
The Disconnect in US Policy
US policy is looking increasingly ineffective and at odds with itself. There is no evidence that months of increasing frustration with Netanyahu and calls for Israel to do more to protect civilians are having any impact. The US strategy of pushing for a new temporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas has produced few concrete results.
The killings of the aid workers threaten to halt a vital lifeline needed to mitigate famine in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. The disconnect in US policy is evident in the fact that America is sending its navy and military to do humanitarian work, while at the same time, weapons provided by America are killing civilians.
This contradiction is not only damaging the credibility of US foreign policy but also exacerbating the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The United States, as a global superpower, has a moral obligation to ensure that its actions align with its professed values of human rights and humanitarianism.
Furthermore, the lack of progress in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not only a failure of US policy but also a failure of the international community as a whole. The ongoing violence and loss of life in Gaza should serve as a wake-up call to the world that a new approach is desperately needed.
Instead of relying on the same tired diplomatic efforts that have yielded little results, the United States should take a more proactive role in facilitating a meaningful dialogue between Israel and Palestine. This could involve leveraging its influence and resources to bring both parties to the negotiating table and mediating a fair and lasting solution.
Additionally, the US should reassess its military aid to Israel and ensure that it is not being used in a way that violates international law or contributes to the suffering of innocent civilians. This may require stricter conditions on the use of US-provided weapons and a more rigorous monitoring system to prevent their misuse.
Ultimately, the disconnect in US policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not only detrimental to the region but also undermines America’s standing in the international community. It is time for the United States to reevaluate its approach and take decisive action to promote peace, justice, and stability in the Middle East.
Biden’s Dicey Position
Recent events suggest that either Biden lacks leverage over Netanyahu or is unwilling to use it. Some Democrats have called on the president to impose limits on how US-made weapons are used by the Israel Defense Forces, but Biden, the staunchest supporter of the Jewish state of any recent US president, has declined to do so.
Netanyahu’s unwillingness to listen to Biden and his recent steps to forge closer ties with Republicans on Capitol Hill are beginning to cast doubt on the president’s authority as the senior partner in one of America’s closest alliances. For Israel, US support is now more crucial than ever.
The deaths of the aid workers, some of whom were citizens of Britain, Australia, and Canada, have further estranged Israel from often friendly nations. Israel’s growing isolation may explain swift statements from Netanyahu and other top officials admitting that the attack on the aid workers was a mistake, a departure from how Israel has handled the deaths of many Palestinian civilians.
This delicate situation puts President Biden in a dicey position. On one hand, he is under pressure from Democrats to take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions, especially regarding the use of US-made weapons. However, as a long-time supporter of Israel, Biden is hesitant to impose any limits that may weaken the country’s defense capabilities. This reluctance may stem from his belief that a strong Israel is crucial for stability in the Middle East and the protection of American interests in the region.
On the other hand, Netanyahu’s defiance of Biden’s authority and his efforts to align with Republicans in Congress raise concerns about the president’s ability to effectively manage this crucial alliance. The growing closeness between Netanyahu and Republicans may undermine Biden’s influence and weaken his position as the leader of the United States, who is expected to have a strong say in shaping Israel’s policies.
Furthermore, the deaths of the aid workers, which have strained Israel’s relationships with traditionally friendly nations, have highlighted the country’s growing isolation on the international stage. This isolation may have prompted Netanyahu and other top officials to swiftly admit that the attack on the aid workers was a mistake, as they realize the need to repair damaged diplomatic ties.
Overall, Biden’s position in the Israel-US relationship is fraught with challenges. He must navigate the delicate balance between satisfying the demands of his own party and maintaining a strong alliance with Israel. At the same time, he must assert his authority as the leader of the United States and ensure that Israel’s actions align with American interests and values. The coming months will be crucial in determining how Biden manages this complex situation and whether he can effectively address the concerns raised by both Democrats and international partners.
