The Biden administration expressed confusion over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel a high-level delegation's planned visit to Washington. This move came after the U.S. chose not to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The resolution, which passed 14-0, called for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages taken captive during a previous Hamas attack. However, the resolution did not link the demand for hostages' release to the call for a cease-fire.
The U.S. abstained from voting instead of using its veto power, marking a departure from its previous stance of vetoing similar resolutions. The resolution is nonbinding, meaning it will not impact Israel's ability to continue its military operations against Hamas.
The U.S. clarified that its abstention did not signify a change in policy, despite public statements from Netanyahu's office suggesting otherwise. The decision not to veto the resolution was based on the fact that it aligned with the U.S.'s consistent policy of linking a hostage deal with a temporary cease-fire.
Netanyahu criticized the U.S. for allowing the resolution to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Israeli Defense Minister was scheduled to meet with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to continue discussions on the matter.
The U.S. abstention reflects escalating tensions between the Biden administration and Netanyahu over Israel's military actions in Gaza, civilian casualties, and humanitarian aid distribution. The strained relationship was further exacerbated by comments from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer questioning Netanyahu's leadership.
Despite the resolution, Israel remains committed to fighting until the safe return of hostages and the eradication of Hamas. The failure to veto the resolution has raised concerns about U.S. credibility and its support for Israel.
More than 32,000 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza during the conflict, although Israel disputes these figures. The U.S. has previously vetoed three resolutions calling for a Gaza cease-fire, indicating a shift in its approach to the ongoing conflict.
