The Dilemma of Biden: Controlling Netanyahu without a Viable Lever | US News
President Joe Biden threatened Israel with a change in American policy on Gaza due to the killing of foreigners.
Since the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, over 200 Palestinian aid workers have been killed in Gaza, adding to the total of more than 30,000 casualties.
A World Central Kitchen vehicle wrecked by an Israeli strike. Pic: AP
Much of Gaza has been destroyed, including hospitals, mosques, courts, and schools, leading to an acute humanitarian crisis and a famine in the north.
The death of foreigners working for the charity World Central Kitchen triggered the American shift in policy.
One US official described this moment as an “inflection point in this war”.
Despite abstaining from a UN vote for an immediate ceasefire a week ago, Mr Biden called for one in his recent conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The call between them was reported to be tense.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
During the call, Mr Biden emphasized the need for Israel to take concrete steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
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‘Attack on aid workers not the first but must be the last’
The US policy towards Gaza will depend on Israel’s immediate actions on these steps, according to Mr Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
If necessary, changes in America’s policy towards Gaza will be implemented based on Israel’s response.
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The potential changes in US policy towards Gaza are uncertain, with discussions around limiting military supply to Israel. However, any drastic action could have far-reaching consequences for Israel’s security.
Limiting weapon supply could leave Israel vulnerable to threats from Iran and its proxies in the region.
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The challenge for Mr Biden is how to influence Mr Netanyahu on Gaza without jeopardizing Israel’s security, as the leverage the US has is limited.
America’s ability to control how Israel uses the weapons it provides is also restricted.
The focus is on supporting Israel against Iranian threats, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
Ultimately, navigating this delicate balance is the challenge faced by Mr Biden and the advantage held by Mr Netanyahu.
