Biden Warns Netanyahu: US Aid to Israel Depends on Gaza Civilian Protection
President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Thursday, expressing concern over the recent attack in Gaza that killed seven aid workers from the US-based World Central Kitchen.
Biden strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire.
He also warned Netanyahu that US support for Israel depends on the protection of civilians in Gaza.
This is the strongest indication yet that military aid to Israel could be conditioned on adherence to humanitarian standards.
In an election year, Democratic President Joe Biden is under pressure from allies to make US military aid to Israel conditional on Netanyahu's adherence to calls for restraint during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The White House stated that Biden urged Israel to take immediate steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
The US wants to see action within "hours and days," including a significant increase in aid to Gaza, where the US has warned of impending famine.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following growing frustration over potential Israeli military action in Rafah, Gaza.
Netanyahu was reminded of the US's unwavering support for Israel's security.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) urged Biden to use military aid as leverage, and if Israel attacked Rafah without protecting civilians, Coons would consider conditioning aid.
Biden also faces pressure from First Lady Jill Biden to take action.
President Biden expressed his outrage and heartbreak over the growing civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the six-month-old Israel-Hamas conflict.
He specifically mentioned the unintentional killing of seven aid workers, including a US-Canadian citizen, and voiced frustration with Israel's right-wing premier.
However, Biden has not taken any concrete steps to reduce the billions of dollars in military aid the US provides to Israel.
The Biden administration approved the transfer of more bombs to Israel on the same day as Israeli strikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza.
This action has sparked controversy and concern among Democrats, particularly Muslim and younger voters, who are expressing anger over the situation.
A former senior aide to President Barack Obama, who served with Biden as vice president, criticized the administration's actions and called for substantive consequences.
Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor in Obama's administration, wrote that the US government is still providing large bombs and ammunition to support Israel's policy.
The controversy could potentially harm Biden's chances of reelection against Republican Donald Trump in November.
Netanyahu, also known as Bibi, disregards criticisms from the US regarding Israel's Gaza offensive.
A recent Gallup poll shows that a majority (55%) of US voters disapprove of Israel's actions in Gaza, while only 36% approve.
He also warned Netanyahu that US support for Israel depends on the protection of civilians in Gaza.
This is the strongest indication yet that military aid to Israel could be conditioned on adherence to humanitarian standards.
In an election year, Democratic President Joe Biden is under pressure from allies to make US military aid to Israel conditional on Netanyahu's adherence to calls for restraint during the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The White House stated that Biden urged Israel to take immediate steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
The US wants to see action within "hours and days," including a significant increase in aid to Gaza, where the US has warned of impending famine.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following growing frustration over potential Israeli military action in Rafah, Gaza.
Netanyahu was reminded of the US's unwavering support for Israel's security.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) urged Biden to use military aid as leverage, and if Israel attacked Rafah without protecting civilians, Coons would consider conditioning aid.
Biden also faces pressure from First Lady Jill Biden to take action.
President Biden expressed his outrage and heartbreak over the growing civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the six-month-old Israel-Hamas conflict.
He specifically mentioned the unintentional killing of seven aid workers, including a US-Canadian citizen, and voiced frustration with Israel's right-wing premier.
However, Biden has not taken any concrete steps to reduce the billions of dollars in military aid the US provides to Israel.
The Biden administration approved the transfer of more bombs to Israel on the same day as Israeli strikes that killed seven aid workers in Gaza.
This action has sparked controversy and concern among Democrats, particularly Muslim and younger voters, who are expressing anger over the situation.
A former senior aide to President Barack Obama, who served with Biden as vice president, criticized the administration's actions and called for substantive consequences.
Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security advisor in Obama's administration, wrote that the US government is still providing large bombs and ammunition to support Israel's policy.
The controversy could potentially harm Biden's chances of reelection against Republican Donald Trump in November.
Netanyahu, also known as Bibi, disregards criticisms from the US regarding Israel's Gaza offensive.
A recent Gallup poll shows that a majority (55%) of US voters disapprove of Israel's actions in Gaza, while only 36% approve.
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