Biden Slams Netanyahu’s Gaza War Strategy: Tensions Rise as U.S. President Calls Israeli PM ‘Liar’ and ‘Helpless’
In a significant diplomatic rift, U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly unleashed a barrage of criticism against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing Gaza conflict. Tensions between the two leaders have escalated dramatically, with Biden purportedly referring to Netanyahu as a “liar” and “helpless” in private discussions. The conflict over Israel’s Gaza war strategy has strained relations between the longstanding allies, leading to concerns over the stability of U.S.-Israeli relations amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.
US President Joe Biden called his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a bad guy and ‘that son of a b***h’ during one of the private meetings with his associates, according to an excerpt in journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, ‘War’. Woodward’s book offers a remarkable look behind the scenes at Biden’s profanity-ridden outbursts in the White House when there is no public eye on him. According to Woodward, Biden made the remark against Netanyahu in the spring of 2024 as Israel’s war in Gaza intensified.
Background and Context
The conflict in Gaza has been raging for over a year, with both sides incurring substantial losses. Initially sparked by a series of attacks by Hamas, the conflict has now grown to include broader regional actors, complicating any prospects for peace. President Biden, while expressing unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself, has also voiced frustration over the human cost of the war and Netanyahu’s refusal to consider a ceasefire.
The recent verbal altercation between Biden and Netanyahu reportedly occurred after a particularly devastating Israeli strike in Rafah, which led to widespread international condemnation. During a heated phone call, Biden allegedly accused Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for political gain and undermining efforts for a peaceful resolution. The conversation marked a turning point in what has been a progressively deteriorating relationship between the two leaders.
Biden’s Concerns Over Israel’s Gaza Strategy
According to multiple sources, President Biden’s primary grievances center around Netanyahu’s handling of the war and his strategy in Gaza. While the U.S. administration has consistently supported Israel’s right to self-defense, Biden has grown increasingly concerned over the humanitarian impact and the potential for the conflict to spiral into a broader regional war.
Biden has criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to protect civilians and failing to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Moreover, the U.S. president is reportedly irked by Netanyahu’s repeated dismissal of U.S.-backed peace initiatives and calls for de-escalation, viewing them as strategic ploys to maintain political leverage domestically.
Netanyahu’s Response
In response, Netanyahu has defended his approach, emphasizing that any show of weakness could embolden Israel’s adversaries. He has also accused Biden of being out of touch with the realities on the ground and dismissing Israel’s security concerns. The Israeli Prime Minister has reportedly doubled down on his commitment to seeing the conflict through, despite the growing international pressure and calls from Washington to pivot to a more diplomatic approach.
Netanyahu’s hardline stance has played well with his conservative base but has alienated him from some of Israel’s closest allies. Analysts suggest that the Israeli PM is more focused on his political survival than achieving a swift resolution to the war, a perception that Biden reportedly shares.
What’s Next for U.S.-Israeli Relations?
The fallout from this diplomatic spat could have significant implications for U.S.-Israeli relations going forward. With President Biden facing re-election and Netanyahu’s political future also uncertain, both leaders are navigating domestic pressures that could shape their foreign policy decisions. Some analysts warn that the rift could lead to a realignment of U.S. policy in the Middle East, potentially reducing Washington’s influence in the region.
In the short term, the Biden administration is expected to continue pushing for a ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Meanwhile, Netanyahu appears determined to press on with his military strategy, betting that his political future hinges on appearing resolute in the face of international criticism.
The escalating tensions between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu over Gaza are emblematic of a broader strategic and diplomatic divergence between the U.S. and Israel. As the war grinds on with no end in sight, the relationship between these two key leaders is at its lowest point in years, raising serious questions about the future of U.S.-Israeli relations and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
