WH reportedly fears Netanyahu will use US speech to criticize Biden

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
23 Jun 2024 14:30
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During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to convene with Biden even though Biden has not yet formally invited the Israeli PM to the White House.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony in "Israel", Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP)

Reports have been circulating that the White House is growing more concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may take advantage of his upcoming address at the White House to openly attack US President Joe Biden and his administration's handling of the war on Gaza.

As Netanyahu is due to address a joint session of Congress next month, an unnamed US official told Politico on Saturday, “no one knows what he’s going to say”.

According to another senior official, Netanyahu "could make it far worse up there in front of Congress" and his most recent call-out of the US "was not helpful at all."

In response to Netanyahu scolding the US for withholding ammunition and weapons from "Israel", White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby expressed that the White House was not aware the video was coming and called it "perplexing to say the least, certainly disappointing."

Politico continued to add that a "diplomatically complicated and politically dicey spectacle for a president running for reelection" may result from the speech if he does openly criticize Biden.

No White House invitation for Netanyahu

During his visit, Netanyahu is expected to convene with Biden, per sources to Politico, even though Biden has not yet formally invited Netanyahu to the White House.

Axios reported, citing officials last week, that the White House is concerned that Netanyahu’s rhetoric is deepening the tensions between the two allies.

This tension, the officials warn, could erode the Israeli deterrence capabilities, especially in the eyes of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Iran.

According to US officials, the latest discord between Netanyahu and the Biden administration is obstructing joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions on the Lebanese border and prevent an all-out war.

Earlier this week, US Senator Elizabeth Warren announced that she would not attend Netanyahu's presentation before Congress on July 24 due to the "humanitarian catastrophe he created," referring to the war in Gaza.

Warren slammed Netanyahu's dismissal of US policy regarding a two-state solution while responding to reporters, saying, "He has also made clear that he does not support US policy for a two-state solution that will let the people of Israel and Palestinians develop their own nation self-determination, live with dignity."

She further stressed the need for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal, the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and constructive negotiations to achieve a "peaceful solution" by "both parties".