WASHINGTON – U.S. President Joe Biden has escalated pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing concern that he is “hurting Israel” amid candid discussions about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, often referred to as “come to Jesus” conversations.
Despite Biden’s growing frustration, experts and Israeli officials suggest there are no immediate signs that Biden can compel Israel to significantly shift its approach to the conflict, now entering a more perilous phase.
Biden, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, underscored the need for greater attention to innocent lives lost in the conflict. His administration had aimed for an extended ceasefire coinciding with the start of Ramadan, but with no agreement in sight, concerns about potential violence in East Jerusalem have intensified.
Tensions rose further when Biden warned Netanyahu against an attack on a location where many displaced Gazans have sought refuge, labeling it a “red line” to prevent further Palestinian casualties. Simultaneously, he reiterated his unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense.
This candid approach by Biden follows a hot mic incident after his State of the Union address, where he hinted at a forthcoming serious conversation with Netanyahu about Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
The U.S. has initiated airdrops and announced plans for a temporary pier to deliver aid to Gaza by sea, addressing urgent warnings from UN officials about famine threatening a quarter of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. However, Israel has resisted allowing more aid through land routes.
Vice President Kamala Harris added to tensions by hosting Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s wartime Cabinet, against Netanyahu’s wishes. U.S. officials, including Harris, expressed concerns about a potential operation in Rafah.
Netanyahu, responding to Biden’s remarks, asserted that the President misunderstood his policies and their impact on Israel’s interests.
U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, noted that Biden’s intensified criticism is a deliberate attempt to signal his impatience with the rising death toll and inadequate aid in Gaza.
Israeli reactions varied, with opposition leader Yair Lapid supporting Biden’s stance, claiming Netanyahu’s policies catered to the far-right. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz downplayed Biden’s comments, emphasizing U.S. support for Israel’s war aims.
Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, argued that Biden’s actions, including scaling up aid to Gaza, undermine Israel’s goals against Hamas, potentially easing pressure on the group for a temporary ceasefire.
Biden’s frustration reportedly stems from Netanyahu’s reluctance to embrace the U.S. vision for postwar Gaza, centered on reinvigorating the two-state solution, an idea Netanyahu has consistently rejected.
Internally, Biden faces progressive Democratic pressure, illustrated by Michigan Democrats’ symbolic “uncommitted” primary votes, reflecting dissatisfaction with his administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
While Biden aims to influence Israel by speaking out forcefully, critics argue that criticism without tangible action won’t address the deeper issues, emphasizing the need for meaningful change in Gaza.
Biden has not ruled out a trip to Israel, expressing a desire to address the Knesset directly and circumvent Netanyahu. If a temporary ceasefire is reached, officials suggest this could be an opportunity for Biden to engage directly with Israelis and outline a path toward a permanent resolution.