Biden and Netanyahu: A Fraying Alliance Amidst Conflict
In a relationship marked by both camaraderie and tension, President Joe Biden’s interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have taken a dramatic turn over the past year. This shift has been particularly pronounced since the devastating Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 40,000 casualties and widespread displacement. A new book by renowned journalist Bob Woodward, titled “War,” sheds light on the complexities of this relationship, revealing Biden’s growing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict.
Support with Strings Attached
On the surface, Biden has consistently voiced strong support for Israel, affirming its right to defend itself against threats. This stance has often put him at odds with international critics who have condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, behind closed doors, Biden’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Reports indicate that he has expressed his frustrations with Netanyahu using colorful language, reflecting a stark contrast between his public support and private exasperation.
In conversations with his staff and Netanyahu, Biden has not held back. For instance, during a phone call in April, he bluntly questioned Netanyahu’s strategy in the ongoing war, asking, “What’s your strategy, man?” When Netanyahu insisted on a deeper military push into southern Gaza, Biden reportedly dismissed him, saying, “Bibi, you’ve got no strategy.” Such exchanges highlight the growing rift between the two leaders as they navigate the complexities of the conflict.
A Tipping Point in Relations
The relationship reached a tipping point when Biden halted a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel, concerned they would exacerbate civilian casualties in Rafah, a key area of conflict. Despite this, Netanyahu proceeded with military operations, prompting Biden to label him a “liar” and express doubts about his motivations. “He doesn’t give a damn about Hamas but gives a damn only about himself,” Biden reportedly said, using a more explicit term to convey his frustration.
In a particularly heated exchange in July, Biden confronted Netanyahu after an Israeli airstrike killed civilians and a top Hezbollah commander. “Bibi, what the fuck?” he reportedly exclaimed, emphasizing the growing perception of Israel as a “rogue state” on the global stage. Netanyahu defended his actions, insisting that targeting Hamas leaders was necessary, but the tension between the two leaders was palpable.
Escalating Conflicts and Diplomatic Strains
As the war in Gaza drags on, the situation has become increasingly precarious. Efforts for a ceasefire have faltered, and conflicts with Iranian proxy groups like Hezbollah have escalated, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The U.S. has historically played a mediating role, but Biden’s frustrations with Netanyahu complicate this dynamic.
In April, after Israel conducted a strike in Syria that killed an Iranian general, Biden urged restraint, telling Netanyahu to “do nothing” and “take the win.” However, Israel launched a limited strike in response, demonstrating Netanyahu’s tendency to act independently of U.S. advice. This pattern of behavior raises questions about the future of U.S.-Israel relations, especially as tensions with Iran continue to simmer.
Looking Ahead: A Rocky Road
As the conflict enters its second year, the stakes are high for both Biden and Netanyahu. With Iran recently firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for targeted assassinations, the potential for escalation looms large. Biden has warned Israel against striking Iranian nuclear sites, advocating for proportional responses, but given Netanyahu’s track record, it remains uncertain whether he will heed U.S. counsel.
The revelations in Woodward’s book provide a candid look at the challenges facing Biden and Netanyahu as they navigate a fraught geopolitical landscape. With both leaders under pressure from their respective constituencies, the path forward is anything but clear. As the world watches, the future of this critical alliance hangs in the balance, shaped by a complex interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and personal dynamics.
