The tense relationship between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under significant strain as Israel forges ahead in preparation for a potential military incursion into Rafah.
Biden-Netanyahu Standoff
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains committed to a full-scale invasion of Rafah despite the Biden administration’s continued opposition, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.
Biden Administration Opposed to Full-Scale Invasion of Rafah
The Biden administration, expressing its concern over Israel’s military actions, has clearly indicated its opposition to a full-scale invasion of Rafah, a city housing over a million Palestinians, many of whom are displaced. Nevertheless, Netanyahu is continuing his plans for a “powerful” military action in Rafah following an evacuation.
White House Urges More Targeted Operations Rather Than Full-Scale Invasion
The U.S. has expressed its preference for Israel to conduct more targeted operations rather than a comprehensive invasion and has requested a detailed plan that includes military and humanitarian considerations.
Diminished U.S. Influence on Israel’s Military Strategy
The Biden administration’s request comes amid growing frustrations with its diminishing influence on Israel’s military strategies, especially after several Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in civilian casualties, prompting a U.S. State Department investigation.
Ceasefire Negotiations Failed
The tension escalated further following failed negotiations for a ceasefire aimed at facilitating the release of hostages held by Hamas and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. These efforts, supported by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, fell apart when Israel declined to continue talks in Cairo.
Negotiations Were Expected to Succeed, Hostages to be Released, Combat End in Gaza
The CIA was involved in discussions with Middle East officials to attempt an agreement between Israel and Hamas whereby Israeli hostages would be released, and combat would halt in Gaza. The unsuccessful talks occurred between CIA Director William Burns, Israel’s Intelligence Agency, Egypt’s Intelligence Agency, and Qatar’s Prime Minister.
Biden Avoids Leveraging Arms Sales to Influence Israel
The Biden administration has avoided leveraging arms sales as a means of influencing Netanyahu’s decisions, focusing instead on public diplomacy to heed the U.S. calls to scale back the military assault on Gaza.
Biden Calls Netanyahu Offenses Over the Top
However, the president has been vocal about his concerns regarding Israel’s military operations, describing them as “over the top” during discussions on the potential Rafah invasion.
U.S. Measures to Influence Israel
Against the backdrop of these events, U.S. officials have considered various measures to convey their disapproval of Israel’s actions, including reversing certain Trump-era policies related to the West Bank and contemplating sanctions against prominent Israeli officials.
U.S. Cautious in Its Measures to Hold Back Israel
The implementation of measures to control Israel’s actions has been limited, highlighting the challenges the Biden administration faces in exerting meaningful influence over Israel’s military strategy.
Conflict Taking a Toll on Civilians
The ongoing conflict has taken a significant toll, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 28,000 casualties, predominantly women and children. Palestinians are in dire straits in the face of mass casualties.
Close Alliance Tried by Different Approaches to Continued Conflict
There is a widening gap between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government on fundamental issues, including the pursuit of a two-state solution and the conduct of the war in Gaza.
Friction Between Biden’s and Netanyahu’s Governments at Critical Juncture
The friction between the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s government over the potential invasion of Rafah underscores a critical juncture. Despite attempts at diplomacy and the pursuit of targeted military actions over full-scale invasions, the allies’ historical bond is under increasing strain.
