'Israel' in 'deep s**t' amid US criticism of Gaza war management
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A report by Axios depicts the US' growing impatience with 'Israel's' war policies of humanitarian aid flow and war policies in Gaza.
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Benny Gantz leaves a meeting in the office of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 4, 2024 (AP)
Axios reported, citing three Israeli and American officials, that Israeli Cabinet member Benny Gantz was allegedly critically confronted and asked what was described as "harsh questions" during his meeting with United States officials at the White House.
The Axios report indicated that the US is growing more frustrated and impatient with "Israel" as the war on Gaza drags on, specifically following the flour massacre that killed over 100 Palestinians waiting for food aid.
The meeting between Gantz and US Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was held despite Israeli governmental rejection. The incident incited heightened tensions and exhibited the existing divisions in the war cabinet.
An Israeli official source cited in the report said that the US perception of the occupation government has majorly shifted, and highlighted the "deep s**t" it is in, specifically when handling the humanitarian crisis.
Harris and Sullivan both told Gantz that "Israel" is responsible for facilitating the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the matter, saying "We hope that Mr. Gantz goes home informed by the conversations that we had, and the concerns that we expressed ... we think these conversations were constructive and productive, and hope that he goes home informed by them."
Read more: Commotion and divides conquer the Israeli War Cabinet: WSJ
'Deep concerns' for Gaza prompt US vetoes
Kamala Harris expressed "deep concern" over the situation faced by Gaza's civilians.
Harris called for "Israel" to let in more aid to the Gaza Strip, while also urging the Palestinian Resistance group Hamas to accept a six-week ceasefire deal.
"The vice president expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza," Harris' office said in a statement, adding that she "urged Israel to take additional measures" to increase the flow of aid.
But the statement also mentioned that Harris "welcomed Israel’s constructive approach" to the prisoner exchange negotiations and "called on Hamas to accept the terms on the table."
The US has so far exercised its veto power four times to block a ceasefire in Gaza.
The first time was on October 18, 2023, with a Brazil-drafted resolution, the second was on December 8, 2023, with a UAE-drafted resolution, and the third was on December 22, 2023, with a Russian-drafted resolution.
The most recent veto was exercised on February 20, regarding an Algerian-drafted resolution, sparking significant controversy.
Meanwhile, the current death toll in the Gaza Strip recently exceeded the number of 30,000.
