Biden unscripted: Harshest criticism of 'Israel' yet - FT

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Financial Times
13 Dec 2023 13:12
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In a new, unscripted statement, Biden slams "Israel" and Netanyahu's government as the most conservative "Israel" has ever had.

President Joe Biden in a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 (AP)

In a shocking turn of events, US President Joe Biden harshly criticized Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his government over the "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza.

The Financial Times reported that Biden has overtly and publically expressed concern that this was costing "Israel" its international support.

Since the war on Gaza started on October 7, Joe Biden has offered muffled opinions on the strategies being utilized by "Israel" but simultaneously flooded the US lon-time ally with military aid and public support. Now, Biden is showing signs of worry as "Israel" is openly losing global support, leaving the global pair isolated.

In a campaign fundraising event in Washington, Biden stated, "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," adding that the government "doesn't want a two-state solution."

Biden unscripted

Biden's statements, according to a US official, were completely "off the cuff” and "random" and not part of a White House scripted attempt at exerting pressure on Netanyahu, signifying that Biden might actually disagree with "Israel's" conduct when it harms the United States' reputation.

In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, Biden expressed their mutual concern for civilians in Gaza and added that "Israel" has been warned against targeting them, saying Israeli actions “must be consistent with attempting to do everything possible to prevent innocent Palestinian civilians from being hurt, murdered, killed, lost, et cetera."

Responding to the presence of captives in tunnels "Israel" was set to flood, Biden could not assert that they have been evacuated but claimed that "every civilian death is an absolute tragedy and Israel stated its intent to match its words, its intent, with actions."

A hypocritical state

The Biden administration previously vocalized concerns about the exponential rise in the Palestinian death toll, but in an inconsistent action, vetoed a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

According to Al Mayadeen analysts, "Israel's" extensive use of overwhelming force, particularly evident in the war on Gaza, is not random.

It serves as a blueprint for the US when aiming to suppress specific forms of dissent, employing strategies like "shock and awe" and other excessive displays of force.

The imperialist objective is to underscore the futility of resistance given the significant military imbalance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the entity received full US support for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

"I really appreciate the US support for the destruction of Hamas and the return of our hostages. After intensive discussions with President [of the United States Joe] Biden and his people, we received full support for a ground entry [into the Gaza Strip] and containment of international pressure aimed at ending the war," Netanyahu said.

'Israel', US differ on post-war Gaza plans

US national security advisor is set to arrive in "Israel" in the current week to get insight on their war tactics and how they plan to proceed, as well as visit the Middle East to discuss the state of supply chain routes through the Red Sea following Yemen's threats to Israeli-affiliated ships sailing through their waters.

The US is also composing post-war plans for Gaza that consist of the "two-state solution". Arab leaders argue that no solution can be reached while Netanyahu holds office.

During a discussion of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee on Monday, Netanyahu discussed that he was opposed to the Palestinian Authority taking control of the Gaza Strip after the aggression ends, the Israeli Maariv newspaper reported.

"The Palestinian Authority will not be able to control Gaza under any circumstances," the Israeli premier maintained.

"Security responsibility will remain under the State of Israel. The difference between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority is only that Hamas wants to destroy us here and now and the Authority wants to do it in stages," he said, despite the PA being recognized by the Israeli occupation as a representative of the Palestinian people.

According to a report by Politico, the Biden administration considers the PA the most viable with "significant legitimacy and capability challenges."

They intend to deploy an international force immediately following the war followed by a so-called "revamped" Palestinian Authority taking over long-term control of Gaza.

They also intend to boost security assistance from the State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, as well as expand the position of the US security coordinator who advises Palestinian security forces.