President Joe Biden has expressed concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, stating that Netanyahu is “hurting Israel more than helping Israel.” Despite expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, Biden emphasized the need for Netanyahu to consider the innocent lives lost in the conflict.
Biden warned that Israel risks losing international support due to the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza, stating that a potential Israeli invasion of the Gaza city of Rafah would be a “red line” for him. However, he also mentioned that he would not cut off weapons supplies like the Iron Dome missile interceptors to Israel.
The U.S. leader had hoped to secure a temporary ceasefire before the start of Ramadan next week, but it now seems unlikely as Israel remains committed to continuing its invasion to eliminate Hamas. CIA Director Bill Burns is currently in the region trying to negotiate a deal for a temporary ceasefire.
Following his State of the Union address on Thursday night, Biden was caught on a hot mic telling Sen. Michael Bennet that he and Netanyahu will need to have a “come to Jesus meeting.” Biden has also expressed willingness to make his case directly to the Israeli Knesset and potentially make another trip to the country to address the ongoing conflict.
