Differences between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flared up again over the weekend as the two traded barbs in interviews about Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.
During an interview on Saturday (9) with MSNBC, Biden said that Netanyahu was “hurting Israel more than helping the country” in its war in Gaza, adding that he wants “to see a ceasefire” in the context of an agreement that also brings back the Israeli hostages held there by Hamas.
Biden has warned for months that Israel risks losing international support due to the rise in civilian casualties in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 31,000.
Netanyahu, in response, said the American president was wrong in his assessment and strongly defended his policies in Gaza, especially an imminent ground operation in the far southern city of Rafah, which Biden and other world leaders have warned against.
“I don’t know exactly what the president [Biden] meant, but if by that he means that I am pursuing private policies against the will of the majority of Israelis, and that this is harming Israel's interests, then he is wrong on both counts. ,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Politico and the German media outlet Bild, referring to Biden’s comments about his decisions harming Israel.
An estimated 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering in Rafah, which has been under Israeli bombardment for weeks. Huddled together in a sprawling tent city near the Egyptian border, the families live with severe shortages of food, water, medicine and shelter, and are at daily risk of being killed.
In Saturday's interview, Biden said that an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a red line, before adding at the same time that crossing it would not result in punitive measures against Israel.
“It’s a red line, but I will never leave Israel,” Biden said. “Israel’s defense is still critical, so there is no limit to cutting all weapons.”
Netanyahu said on Sunday (10) that he intends to move forward with the invasion, despite Biden's warning and regardless of a hostage ceasefire agreement. The operation would last no more than two months, he said, but gave no details on the timeline.
“We will go there. We won't leave [de Gaza]”, Netanyahu said on Sunday in an interview with the German channel Axel Springer. “You know, I have a red line. Do you know what the red line is? May October 7th never happen again.”
However, two US officials told the CNN that the Biden administration does not anticipate that Israeli forces are about to expand military operations in Rafah.
As of this weekend, the Biden administration has yet to see any type of humanitarian or withdrawal plan from the Israeli government that seeks to ensure the safety of civilians in Rafah before launching a military operation there, the two U.S. officials said Sunday.
The US has strongly supported Israel during its war in Gaza, which has so far killed more than 31,000 people and injured more than 72,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas.
The rising death toll, widespread destruction and unfolding humanitarian crisis have cast a shadow over Biden's re-election bid in 2024, as anger over his administration's handling of Israel's war has sparked a campaign to convince Michigan Democratic voters to vote in protest.
Biden and Netanyahu have known each other for decades and had already had disagreements even before October 7, including the president's discomfort with the Israeli leader's far-right government. As the conflict in Gaza drags on and pressure mounts within his party to rein in Israel, Biden's criticism has become more pointed.
Last month, Biden described the war as “exaggerated,” one of his harshest criticisms since the conflict began. Late last year, Biden and Netanyahu sparred publicly over plans for post-war Gaza.
The government's rhetoric has only gotten stronger lately. Vice President Kamala Harris last week called for “an immediate ceasefire” and more humanitarian aid for Gaza, “given the immense scale of suffering” in the enclave.
“Israel cannot have 30,000 more dead Palestinians,” Biden told MSNBC on Saturday. And in a statement marking the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan on the same day, the president said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “on the minds” of many, including him. “More than 30,000 Palestinians were killed, most of them civilians, including thousands of children,” he said.
In a candid moment captured on an open mic, Biden revealed his frustration with Netanyahu following his State of the Union address last week.
“I told him, Bibi — and don’t repeat this — but you and I are going to have a meeting with Jesus,” Biden told Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Senator Michael Bennett.
Asked about the timing, Biden told MSNBC that the comment means he intends to have a serious meeting soon with Netanyahu. “I’ve known Bibi for 50 years and he knew what I meant by that.”
“What’s happening is he has the right to defend Israel, the right to continue to persecute Hamas,” Biden said.
“But he must, must, must, must pay more attention to the innocent lives that are being lost as a consequence of the actions taken.”
On Monday, Biden told reporters that there are currently no plans for a “come to Jesus” meeting with Netanyahu and there are no plans for him to address the Israeli parliament “at this time.”
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
