Biden Criticizes Netanyahu: A Rare Public Rebuke Amidst Gaza Ceasefire Struggles

 

In an unusually candid moment, President Joe Biden publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza. This rare public rebuke underscores the growing tension between the United States and Israel, especially as the conflict in Gaza drags on with no resolution in sight.

Biden's Candid Remarks

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Biden expressed his frustration with Netanyahu's handling of the ceasefire negotiations. When asked whether he believed Netanyahu was doing enough to finalize a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Biden simply responded, “No.” This brief but pointed criticism is significant, as it marks one of the few instances where Biden has openly criticized the Israeli leader during the ongoing conflict.

Despite this criticism, Biden remains optimistic about the chances of reaching a ceasefire. He told reporters that the U.S. is “very close” to presenting a final proposal that could lead to the release of Israeli captives in Gaza. The president’s optimism, however, contrasts sharply with the harsh realities on the ground, where attempts to broker peace have repeatedly failed.

Tensions Between the U.S. and Israel

The relationship between the Biden administration and Netanyahu has been strained in recent months, largely due to the unpopularity of Israel’s war on Gaza among Democratic supporters in the U.S. While Biden has tried to maintain a diplomatic distance from Netanyahu, his latest remarks indicate a growing frustration with the Israeli leader’s unwillingness to compromise.

This criticism also highlights the internal contradictions within the Biden administration’s approach to the conflict. While Biden has called for a ceasefire, his administration has simultaneously vetoed three United Nations Security Council proposals that would have called for an immediate halt to the fighting. This duality in the U.S. stance has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers, who argue that the U.S. is not doing enough to pressure Israel into ending the conflict.

The Human Cost of the Conflict

As the conflict continues, the human toll in Gaza is staggering. More than 40,700 Palestinians have been killed in the relentless bombardment, while the Israeli blockade has left the territory on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. The discovery of six Israeli captives, including one American citizen, dead in Gaza over the weekend has only intensified the pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal.

In Israel, the deaths of these captives have sparked mass protests and strikes, with many Israelis demanding an immediate end to the conflict. The Biden administration has also faced mounting pressure to take a stronger stance, particularly after the killing of the American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Republicans in the U.S. have used the incident to attack Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing them of weak leadership.

Ceasefire Negotiations: A Long and Winding Road

Despite the challenges, Biden’s administration continues to push for a ceasefire. The U.S. has proposed a multiphased plan to end the conflict, starting with a six-week pause in fighting to allow for the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. The plan also includes a permanent end to the fighting and the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by the Israeli military campaign.

However, significant obstacles remain. Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must retain control over key strategic areas, such as the Philadelphi Corridor, and has rejected any deal that does not result in a total victory over Hamas. On the other hand, Hamas and other Palestinian groups have made it clear that any agreement must include a permanent end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.