In a significant turn of events, President Joe Biden has openly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging a shift in tactics as the conflict in Gaza intensifies.
Biden comments came during an off-camera campaign reception in Washington, where he sternly warned that Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza risked isolating the country on the global stage.
Expressing his strongest rebuke yet of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition since the conflict erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack, President Biden emphasized that Israel’s current actions are eroding international support.
He cautioned that the mounting civilian casualties and military offensive against Hamas were jeopardizing Israel’s relationships with Europe and the broader global community.
Biden underscored the necessity for Israel to learn from historical missteps, drawing a parallel with the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Biden said, “He’s a good friend, but I think he has to change and — with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move,” the president said.
“But we have to make sure that — that Bibi understands that he’s got to make some moves to strengthen [the Palestinian Authority] — strengthen it, change it, move it,” the president said, according to the White House transcript. “You cannot say there’s no Palestinian state at all in the future. And that’s going to be the hard part.”
This sharp critique contrasts with Biden’s previous stance of refraining from public pressure on Netanyahu, despite reportedly engaging in tough discussions behind closed doors. Throughout his political career, Biden has maintained unwavering support for Israel, including its ongoing military efforts.
