Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is at the centre of criticism from both domestic and international quarters over his management of relations with the Biden administration, particularly in the context of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s handling of the Biden administration has drawn rebuke from Israeli commentators, who criticised his approach as detrimental to Israeli interests. The US decision not to veto a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council has been widely attributed to Netanyahu’s strained relationship with President Joe Biden. Columnists across Israeli media condemned Netanyahu’s increasing friction with the US president.
The Israeli leader’s approval ratings have plummeted significantly since Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Netanyahu’s perceived failure to navigate relations with the Biden administration effectively has only intensified scrutiny and condemnation from Israeli commentators.
The US-Israeli relationship holds immense importance for Israel due to financial aid, arms sales, and diplomatic support, making Netanyahu’s strained ties with Washington a cause for concern. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s actions, including his decision to cancel a US delegation visit, have exposed Israel to significant strategic risks and harmed its citizens for the sake of his own political survival.
Calls for Netanyahu’s resignation have grown louder in the face of mounting criticism, with detractors arguing that his departure is necessary to allow Israel to recover from the damage inflicted by his leadership.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s confrontational stance towards Biden stems from his desire to boost his image domestically amid dismal poll numbers, widespread unpopularity, security failures, and political crises. This confrontational approach has led to further deterioration in the already strained US-Israel relationship.
The passage of the UN Security Council ceasefire resolution, with the rare US abstention, prompted warnings about potential repercussions. While UN resolutions are theoretically binding on member states, their significance lies in reinforcing actions beyond the Security Council.
Amid the chaos, leaders from around the world have welcomed a United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Many member states pointed out the need to halt the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the requirement to implement the ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
Former US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer shed light on the Biden administration’s evaluation of Israel’s compliance with National Security Memorandum-20, emphasising the importance of ensuring that US arms usage aligns with international law and humanitarian principles.
The resolution’s impact extends beyond diplomatic realms, potentially affecting legal cases before international bodies and deliberations by entities such as the European Union regarding punitive measures against Israel.
Frank Lowenstein, a former State Department official, identified key factors driving the US abstention, including disagreements over military actions in Rafah, concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and criticism of Israeli settlement announcements during Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit.
Despite the passage of the UN Security Council resolution, Israel has launched a fresh wave of attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 81 Palestinians and wounding 93 others within just 24 hours. The Israeli military bombed a house in Rafah, killing at least 18 people, including nine children. Updated figures reveal that Israel has killed at least 32,414 Palestinians and wounded 74,787 in its attacks on Gaza since 7 October.