Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised US President Joe Biden's clarity and focus during a recent interview. Netanyahu affirmed that he had more than a dozen phone conversations with President Biden, during which they were able to find common ground on various issues, including war aims. He also highlighted Biden's historic visit to Israel during a time of conflict, which further demonstrated the President's commitment to the relationship between the two countries. Netanyahu's remarks come in response to criticism of Biden's age and memory raised in Special Counsel Robert Herr's report on the mishandling of classified documents.
Regarding Herr's report, political motivations have been called into question due to the language used to describe Biden's alleged mental decline. Despite the report ultimately not filing any charges against Biden and clearing him of any wrongdoing in comparison to former President Donald Trump, the choice of words painted a negative picture of Biden's capabilities. This has potentially impacted his candidacy, particularly among individuals concerned about the issue of age, although it is worth noting that Trump is also relatively close in age.
Moreover, tensions between Biden and Netanyahu have been further strained by divergent views on Israel's military operation in Gaza. In a conversation held between the two leaders after a significant gap in communication, Biden reportedly criticized Israel's military action, describing it as 'over the top.' As Israel prepares for a ground offensive and the evacuation of Palestinians in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, the US's ability to influence the situation is being questioned. Despite the substantial financial support provided by the US to Israel, Netanyahu's decisions have seemingly led to a rift with the American public, including young people and Arab Americans who traditionally align with the Democratic Party.
While Biden has begun distancing himself from some of Netanyahu's actions, further criticism may be warranted if the Israeli offensive continues. The President's response thus far seems to signal a growing awareness of the potential dangers associated with the situation. As Netanyahu's decisions continue to alienate certain sectors of the American public, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will evolve. Ultimately, if the Israeli offensive persists, Biden may need to take a stronger stance to address concerns and ensure his administration's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
