Biden, Netanyahu on collision course after US abstained from UNSC vote
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Biden and Netanyahu's rift widens after the US abstained from the UNSC vote on a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israeli opposition.
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President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in 'Tel Aviv'. (AP)
A report by The Times on Tuesday suggests that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden are on a collision course, with only one possible resolution: one of them stepping out of office.
The rift between Netanyahu and Biden widened after the US abstained from a UN Security Council vote calling for an immediate ceasefire, despite Israeli objections, according to the report.
The Biden administration faced criticism for its unwavering support of "Israel" during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and the onset of war in Gaza. Despite its support, Hamas' leadership remained steadfast, and most hostages remained in captivity.
Collective criticism of Biden looms
There is only one thing that parts of Washington and the Middle East can agree on, it is that Biden mishandled the war in Gaza. While Arab leaders mock his policies in the Middle East, Netanyahu believes that Biden is looking to change the current occupation government.
American career diplomats warned Washington about jeopardizing its standing in the region for years to come, as a result of its failed foreign policy. According to The Times, US diplomats privately winced at Biden's missteps, including his false predictions of a coming ceasefire, while "he slurped on ice cream."
The tables turned and in recent weeks, Biden's administration sounded more forceful about ending the war on Gaza and more in tune with its Western allies.
Kamala Harris, the vice president, has cautioned this week that "nothing is off the table" should "Israel" proceed with an invasion of Rafah, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Additionally, officials have hinted to US media about discussions regarding potential limitations on arms supplies to "Israel" if such an invasion occurs.
Biden vs. Netanyahu beef longstanding
Earlier this month, a report by the Financial Times reported that Netanyahu turned to the last resort and the most powerful force backing "Israel" in the US: the Israeli lobby. This came after a public feud between Biden and Netanyahu.
At the "American Israel Public Affairs Committee" (AIPAC), Netanyahu called out Biden for the statements he's made, such as the IOF having killed too many civilians, Netanyahu hurting "Israel" by obstructing a Palestinian state, and the matter that he should allow the Palestinian Authority to run Gaza.
Netanyahu burst out, saying, “You cannot say you support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself and then oppose Israel when it exercises that right... You cannot say you support Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas and then oppose Israel when it takes the actions necessary.”
