In Wilmington, President Joe Biden articulated on Saturday that his perception suggests Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is, in his approach to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, “detrimentally affecting Israel more than contributing positively.”
The U.S. leader endorsed Israel’s right to pursue Hamas post the Oct. 7 assault but emphasized Netanyahu’s need to be more attentive to the loss of innocent lives resulting from the undertaken actions. Biden, for several months, has cautioned that Israel stands at the risk of diminishing international support due to the escalating civilian casualties in Gaza. His recent statements in an interview with MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart underscore the growing strain in the relationship between the two leaders.
Regarding the Gaza death toll, Biden remarked, “it’s at odds with Israel’s principles, and I consider it a significant error in judgment.” While acknowledging a potential Israeli incursion into the Gaza city of Rafah, housing over 1.3 million Palestinians, as a “red line” for him, he clarified that he would not cease the supply of weapons, such as the Iron Dome missile interceptors safeguarding Israeli civilians from regional rocket attacks.
“The red line stands,” he affirmed concerning Rafah, “yet my commitment to Israel remains unwavering. Preserving Israel’s defense is pivotal, so there’s no red line where I’d cut off all weaponry, depriving them of the Iron Dome protection.” Biden expressed readiness to present his case directly to the Israeli Knesset, contemplating another visit to the country. However, details on the feasibility of such a trip remained undisclosed.
The U.S. leader had aspired to secure a temporary ceasefire before the commencement of Ramadan next week. However, the prospects appear increasingly dim as Hamas rejects a deal advocated by the U.S. and its allies, entailing a six-week pause in hostilities, the release of additional hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, along with an upsurge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to persist in its incursion and obliterate Hamas, responsible for approximately 1,200 casualties in Israel and the abduction of around 250 individuals on Oct. 7. Despite the release of several hostages during a November truce, the militant group refuses further releases without guarantees of a complete cessation of hostilities.
Simultaneously, over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry, predominantly comprising women and children. Hundreds of thousands grapple with hunger. Biden noted the current presence of CIA Director Bill Burns in the region, attempting to resurrect the deal.
Biden’s remarks followed an inadvertent revelation on a hot mic after Thursday night’s State of the Union address. He informed Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., that he and the Israeli leader are due for a “come-to-Jesus meeting.” In this candid exchange, Bennet commended Biden on his speech and urged him to persistently address Netanyahu on the escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also privy to this brief conversation.
Biden, using Netanyahu’s nickname, responded, “I told him, Bibi, and don’t repeat this, but you and I are going to have a ‘come-to-Jesus’ meeting.” An aide discreetly alerted Biden about the active microphones, prompting his acknowledgment, “I’m on a hot mic here. Good. That’s good.”