President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently engaged in a phone call to address the escalating tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza. This conversation marked their first known interaction in over a month, highlighting the strained relationship between the two leaders.
The discussion primarily focused on two critical areas of contention between the United States and Israel. Firstly, they deliberated on the urgent need to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where a significant number of Palestinian civilians are facing dire circumstances. Additionally, they addressed the impending Israeli operation in Rafah, a region where over a million Palestinians are seeking refuge.
Amidst these discussions, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a key ally of President Biden, recently called for new Israeli elections that could potentially lead to Netanyahu's removal from office. While Biden commended Schumer's remarks as reflective of American concerns, he refrained from explicitly endorsing or condemning the call for new elections in Israel.
Netanyahu, in response to Schumer's comments, emphasized the importance of respecting Israel's democratic processes and criticized external interference in the country's leadership decisions.
The deteriorating relationship between Biden and Netanyahu has been exacerbated by disagreements over the handling of the Gaza conflict. The White House has expressed frustration over what it perceives as Netanyahu's disregard for US counsel on the matter.
Notably, the frequency of communication between the two leaders has significantly decreased in recent months. Prior to their latest call, their previous conversation occurred on February 15, marking the longest gap in communication since the onset of the conflict.
Key points of contention include the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza, strategies to minimize civilian casualties, and the prospects for a future Palestinian state. The White House has emphasized the necessity of a credible plan to safeguard civilians in Rafah before proceeding with any military operation in the area.
Biden has underscored that an invasion of Rafah would cross a 'red line,' although he did not specify the exact repercussions and reiterated his commitment to maintaining support for Israel while urging for a resolution that prioritizes civilian protection.
