President Joe Biden delivered a stern message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, asserting that forthcoming U.S. backing for Israel’s operations in Gaza hinges on the prompt implementation of new measures to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers.
In a roughly 30-minute call between Biden and Netanyahu, occurring just days after Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of seven food aid workers in Gaza, tensions between the leaders were further underscored. Biden’s stance marks a significant departure from his administration’s prior unwavering support for Israel’s military endeavors, with the U.S. leader now warning of a reassessment should Israel fail to adjust its tactics and permit increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
While the White House declined to specify potential alterations to U.S. policy, potential measures could involve revisions to military sales to Israel and shifts in diplomatic support on the global stage.
Netanyahu’s office announced early Friday that his Security Cabinet had greenlit a series of immediate actions to enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including the reopening of a vital crossing destroyed in an October 7 Hamas attack. Administration officials indicated prior to this announcement that the United States would evaluate whether these steps are sufficiently extensive.
Biden emphasized the necessity for Israel to announce and execute a set of specific, measurable steps to mitigate civilian harm, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and ensure the safety of aid workers, as per a White House statement issued post-call. The statement further indicated that U.S. policy regarding Gaza will be contingent upon the evaluation of Israel’s prompt implementation of these measures.
Additionally, Biden urged Netanyahu to pursue an “immediate cease-fire,” deeming it essential in exchange for approximately 100 hostages still held in Gaza. The conversation between the leaders was characterized by administration officials as direct and honest.
In response, Netanyahu’s office disclosed plans to temporarily reopen the Erez crossing, which has historically served as Gaza’s primary passenger terminal, alongside facilitating the use of Israel’s Ashdod port to process aid shipments bound for Gaza and allowing heightened Jordanian aid deliveries through another land crossing. However, the announcement did not specify the quantities or types of items to be permitted entry.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, commended Netanyahu’s proposed measures, underscoring the necessity for their full and rapid implementation. Watson reiterated that U.S. policy toward Gaza will hinge on Israel’s expeditious action on these fronts, along with other steps aimed at safeguarding innocent civilians and aid workers.
The leaders’ discussion coincides with calls from the World Central Kitchen, founded by renowned restaurateur José Andrés, for an independent investigation into the Israeli strikes that claimed the lives of seven of the organization’s staff members, including an American citizen. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted in Brussels that U.S. support would be contingent on Israel making significant adjustments to its conduct of the conflict.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the imperative for tangible and concrete changes by Israel, beyond merely allowing additional aid into Gaza. He underscored that failure to alter Israeli policies may necessitate adjustments to U.S. approaches, citing the excessive civilian casualties.
The demand for Israel to expedite an end to the conflict is mounting across the political spectrum, with former President Donald Trump admonishing on Thursday that Israel is “absolutely losing the PR war” and urging a resolution to the bloodshed.
Biden and Netanyahu also discussed Iranian threats against Israel, while Biden expressed renewed concerns over Netanyahu’s plan to conduct an operation in the southern city of Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million displaced Palestinians seek shelter.
Despite these concerns, the Biden administration continues to facilitate arms transfers and deliveries to Israel. Notably, recent transfers approved by the Democratic administration included munitions sales to Israel. Meanwhile, plans to construct a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate aid distribution are underway, with Israel slated to provide security during the transfer process.
Israel has acknowledged responsibility for the strikes on World Central Kitchen workers but asserts that the convoy was not deliberately targeted. The country is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
José Andrés sharply criticized the Israeli military for the strike, prompting his organization to suspend operations in Gaza. Andrés called upon the Israeli government to cease indiscriminate killing, halt restrictions on humanitarian aid, and desist from targeting civilians and aid workers.
The conflict in Gaza was initiated when Hamas-led militants launched an incursion into southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. Experts characterize the Israeli military campaign in Gaza as among the deadliest and most destructive in recent history, with significant civilian casualties exceeding those of prior conflicts.
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