In an abrupt shift, Joe Biden, during a speech on Tuesday, started strongly criticizing Israel and the Netanyahu government for the first time since the Hamas terror attacks on October 7th.
Referring to the Israeli prime minister as a “good friend,” Biden stated, “I believe he has to change.” He expressed concern that the Israeli government’s actions and the ongoing military campaign, resulting in numerous casualties, are “making it very difficult for the world.”
“This is the most conservative government in Israel’s history,” Biden said, adding that the Israeli government “doesn’t want a two-state solution.”
He made this unprecedented statement during an address at a fundraiser on Tuesday.
He emphasized that although the US stands by Israel and will persist in supporting its counter-terror operations, “They’re starting to lose that support’ due to indiscriminate bombing.”
He continued by saying, “The world is looking at Israel,” alluding to its growing isolation globally due to the escalating death toll (Palestinian sources report a toll exceeding 17,700). Biden then issued a rare ultimatum of sorts, asserting that Netanyahu cannot reject the idea of a future Palestinian state.
Biden’s remarks seemed to directly address Netanyahu’s statements from Monday. The Israeli leader vowed that his administration would oppose a postwar plan proposed by the US to have the Palestinian Authority assume control of Gaza.
The two leaders are now openly disagreeing on the strategy for the ongoing Gaza operation, a situation that is somewhat ironic given the fact that the US provides Israel with over $3 billion annually in foreign and defense aid.
“After the great sacrifice of our civilians and our soldiers, I will not allow the entry into Gaza of those who educate for terrorism, support terrorism and finance terrorism,” Netanyahu had said.
“I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo,” he had added.
Biden’s words are quite surprising, especially considering that just last Friday, the United States stood alone in casting a “no” vote at a UN National Security Council meeting regarding a straightforward resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In an unusual turn of events, Biden now asserts that Israel is proving to be “difficult” and is “losing support,” while simultaneously, it’s Washington that has consistently blocked international efforts at pushing for a ceasefire.
Is Biden shifting his stance because he’s losing support from his liberal base, especially with strong polling numbers for Trump as the 2024 election approaches?
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