President Joe Biden expressed support for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel, signaling a potential rift in the longstanding U.S.-Israel relationship amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. Schumer’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership and the escalating Palestinian casualties has intensified the debate.
Biden, echoing Schumer’s concerns, stated the importance of addressing the serious issues affecting both nations. This stance may exacerbate tensions with Netanyahu, whose party has criticized Schumer for not respecting Israel’s elected government, especially during wartime.
The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack killing 1,200 Israelis, has seen a severe counterattack from Israel, resulting in over 30,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. Biden’s recent remarks suggest a significant shift in his perspective on the war, emphasizing the need for a crucial discussion with Netanyahu and highlighting the potential harm of Netanyahu’s war strategy to Israel’s standing.
The U.S. is particularly concerned about Israel’s plan to target Rafah in southern Gaza, a refuge for displaced Palestinians. Despite calls from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a plan to protect civilians, no clear strategy has been presented, raising further questions about the feasibility and humanitarian impact of such an operation.
However, Blinken affirms that frank discussions among allies are vital for the strength of their relationship, suggesting that these tensions do not necessarily indicate a break in the U.S.-Israel alliance.