President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first conversation in nearly a month today. The White House insists that the timing is purely coincidental, but it comes on the heels of Netanyahu publicly rejecting the idea of establishing a Palestinian state after the war ends. This stance stands in stark contrast to the United States' longstanding support for a two-state solution.
Deteriorating relations between the US and Israel have been evident throughout the ongoing conflict. US officials have been privately coaching and guiding Israel, but refraining from public criticism. However, Netanyahu's public rejection of President Biden's vision for a post-war Gaza has raised eyebrows.
In a recent briefing, White House spokesman John Kirby confirmed that President Biden discussed his commitment to a two-state solution during the call. While acknowledging that not every issue will be agreed upon, Kirby stressed the president's conviction in the viability of this approach. It remains to be seen whether Netanyahu's position on this matter will evolve in the future.
Meanwhile, within Israel, criticism of Netanyahu from both current and former officials is mounting. Israeli War Cabinet Minister Gadi Eisenkot called for fresh elections, stating that Netanyahu's goal of completely defeating Hamas is unrealistic. Eisenkot emphasized the need for a transparent approach and a diplomatic solution to secure the release of hostages.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak also voiced his concerns, lambasting Netanyahu for lacking a post-war plan for Gaza. Barak warned that this approach not only jeopardizes Israel's military actions, but also strains its relationships with regional allies and its principal ally, the United States. The potential diplomatic fallout and the risks of getting embroiled in conflicts with other factions in the region, such as Hezbollah, were highlighted.
Netanyahu may respond by shifting his message towards prioritizing the destruction of Hamas's capabilities rather than their complete annihilation. However, this does not address the mounting criticisms against him from within his war cabinet and the broader public.
As tensions between the US and Israel continue to simmer, President Biden faces the challenge of navigating a delicate relationship during an election year when support for Israel remains popular with the electorate. It remains to be seen how Netanyahu will respond and whether any shifts in his stance will occur in the future.
In conclusion, Netanyahu's public rejection of a Palestinian state and growing criticism from within Israel's own ranks have highlighted the strained relationship between the US and Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. President Biden's commitment to a two-state solution remains at odds with Netanyahu's stance, raising questions about the future of their relationship and the prospects for peace in the region.
