President Biden has threatened to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden used U.S. aid as leverage to influence Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas. Following the call, Israel agreed to permit more food and supplies into Gaza in hopes of appeasing the President.
Biden emphasized the need for specific steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers, warning that U.S. policy towards Gaza will be determined by Israel’s actions. The White House statement expressed growing frustration with Netanyahu and anger over the killing of aid workers.
Israel made gestures to meet Biden’s demands, promising to increase aid deliveries to Gaza through specific routes, reduce civilian casualties, and pursue a temporary cease-fire deal in exchange for the release of hostages. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized the need for more humanitarian supplies to Gaza and hinted at consequences if Israel does not comply.
The shift in U.S. policy comes as pressure mounts from Democrats and criticism of Israel’s actions escalates. Some Israel supporters argue that Biden’s actions could embolden Israel’s enemies and prolong the war. However, the pivot was prompted by the killing of aid workers in Gaza, which outraged and saddened President Biden.
Moving forward, the Biden administration will be looking for concrete steps from Israel to reduce violence against civilians and increase access to humanitarian aid in Gaza. Failure to meet these expectations could result in changes in U.S. policy towards Israel.
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