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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden issued a pointed warning to Israel during a closed-door fundraiser in Washington, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict with Palestine. Biden mentioned that U.S. and European support for Israel was softening due to concerns about “indiscriminate bombing.” He expressed that Netanyahu faced a tough decision and suggested a need for change in the Israeli government.
Biden remarked that the current Israeli government, described as the “most conservative” in the country’s history, makes it challenging for Netanyahu to take necessary actions. He indicated that the government’s conservative factions opposed solutions remotely close to a two-state resolution, complicating efforts for a long-term solution.
While Biden’s comments lacked specific details, the critical tone was evident. He referenced Israel’s current campaign in Gaza in the context of historical events, including World War II and the U.S. response to 9/11. Biden emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
“It was pointed out to me — I’m being very blunt with you all — it was pointed out to me that, by Bibi, that ‘Well, you carpet-bombed Germany. You dropped the atom bomb. A lot of civilians died,’” Biden said, according to a White House-provided transcript.
“I said, ‘Yeah, that’s why all these institutions were set up after World War Two to see to it that it didn’t happen again — it didn’t happen again. Don’t make the same mistakes we made at 9/11. There was no reason why we had to be in a war in Afghanistan at 9/11. There was no reason why we had to do some of the things we did.”
Biden has maintained close communication with Netanyahu throughout the conflict but has refrained from public criticism.
The President’s comments at the fundraiser indicate a shift in his approach, suggesting a growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s handling of the situation as the conflict extends into its second month.
