Netanyahu no longer considered 'productive' partner by White House: WP
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Biden's private frustration with Netanyahu was evident when he criticized "Israel's" military campaign in Gaza as "over the top."
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President Joe Biden leaves the White House to board Marine One in Washington, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and then on to Wilmington. (AP Photo)
The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing unnamed official sources, that US President Joe Biden and his administration and his top aides are increasingly edging towards a breach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that they no longer regard him as a productive partner who can be influenced.
According to the report, some of Biden's aides reportedly urged him to publicly criticize Netanyahu over Gaza operations, sources say. Biden, a long-time supporter of "Israel," has been hesitant to do so but is considering it as Netanyahu continues to be frustrated with public actions.
Netanyahu's recent actions, including turning down a prisoner swap deal and moving troops into Gaza against US recommendations, have irked US officials, the report says.
While the White House has rejected calls to withhold military aid, some aides argue that criticizing Netanyahu could allow Biden to distance himself from unpopular policies while affirming support for "Israel" itself.
Biden's private frustration with Netanyahu was evident when he criticized "Israel's" military campaign in Gaza as "over the top."
"I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza, in the Gaza Strip, has been over the top," the Democrat told reporters at the White House.
Read more: Arab League chief warns against Israeli offensive in Rafah
As this is being reported, the Israeli forces is preparing to launch a full-scale invasion of the city of Rafah, southern Gaza, where most Palestinians have sought refuge after fleeing the northern and central regions.
The plans to invade the city have sparked concerns on the part of "Israel's" allies, including the US, Canada, and Germany, as well as from Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
While the allies have voiced concern for a potential worsening of the humanitarian crisis, the situation risks further escalation amid tensions on the part of Cairo which would view the offensive on Rafah as a breach of Egypt's sovereignty.
A report by the Wall Street Journal on Saturday revealed that Cairo reportedly sent warnings to "Israel" regarding their diplomatic relations - that these may cease in case Israeli forces launche a full-scale invasion of the city of Rafah.
