President Joe Biden suggested in an interview published Tuesday that his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, may be prolonging the war in Gaza for political reasons. Biden expressed the view that Netanyahu might be using the conflict as a strategy to maintain power, echoing a sentiment shared in various capitals, including Washington.
Biden's remarks came as he was preparing to outline an Israeli proposal aimed at ending the war and securing the release of hostages. The intention behind the speech was to exert pressure on both Hamas and Israel to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Despite the proposal being of Israeli origin, Netanyahu has not yet publicly endorsed it. Some members of his far-right government have even threatened to resign if the plan is accepted.
Following Biden's comments, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby sought to downplay the implications of the President's statements. Kirby emphasized that Biden was referencing the views of critics and that Netanyahu should address his own political motivations and respond to his critics.
The situation highlights the delicate political dynamics at play in the region, with Biden's comments potentially adding pressure on Netanyahu as the conflict in Gaza continues. The uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of the proposed plan further complicates efforts to reach a resolution and bring an end to the violence.
