Israeli Minister Blasts Biden, Sparks Anger at Sensitive Time for US Ties
Criticism of US President Joe Biden by a far-right minister in Israel’s government who said Donald Trump would allow more freedom to fight Hamas sparked outrage there, highlighting the sensitivity of relations as Washington provides key support for the offensive against the militants in Gaza.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, accused Biden of hindering Israel’s war effort. Ben-Gvir stated, Instead of giving us his full backing, Biden is busy with giving humanitarian aid and fuel [to Gaza], which goes to Hamas. If Trump was in power, the US conduct would be completely different.
In response to Ben-Gvir’s comments, Benny Gantz, a retired general and member of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, expressed his concern, stating that Ben-Gvir was causing tremendous damage to American-Israeli relations. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also criticized Ben-Gvir’s remarks, emphasizing his lack of understanding of foreign relations.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Ben-Gvir’s comments as racist and called for international sanctions against him, claiming that he threatens the region’s stability.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to indirectly refer to Ben-Gvir’s remarks during a weekly Cabinet meeting. Although not mentioning him by name, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his support and highlighted his vast experience in dealing with different US administrations’ approaches to Israel’s most crucial alliance.
Ben-Gvir, along with other far-right figures, has called for the voluntary mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the return of Jewish settlements, which were dismantled when Israel withdrew its troops from the territory in 2005. The Biden administration strongly opposes such measures.
Amid these tensions, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate Gaza. 127 bodies were brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll to 27,365, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it stated that most of those killed were women and children.
The war in Gaza has left the tiny enclave in ruins, with 85 percent of its population displaced and a quarter of residents facing starvation. Amidst the chaos, the delivery of aid to Gaza is a top priority for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting the region this week.
Blinken’s visit also aims to address Israel’s tense negotiations, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, for the release of over 100 remaining captives taken in the October 7 Hamas attack. The negotiations also include the potential for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
It’s up to Hamas to come forward and respond to what is a serious proposal, said Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, while acknowledging that the exact number of hostages still alive remains uncertain.
Hamas has refused to release any more hostages until Israel ends its offensive and demands the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu has publicly rejected both demands, leaving the situation unresolved.
With Blinken’s visit and the ongoing violence in Gaza, the delicate nature of US-Israel relations comes into sharp focus. It remains to be seen how these challenging circumstances will be navigated and whether progress towards peace and stability can be achieved in the region.
