Tensions soared between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this Tuesday, following accusations from an Israeli official that the Biden administration is attempting to weaken Netanyahu’s government. The accusation, described as emotional and strongly worded, highlights the growing friction and suspicion between the two leaders amidst the conflict in Gaza. A significant report from a leading U.S. intelligence agency on Monday pointed to an increasing “distrust in Netanyahu’s leadership” since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, casting doubt on his leadership and the stability of his coalition, which includes far-right and ultra-orthodox parties with stringent stances on Palestinian and security issues. The report also anticipates large-scale protests calling for Netanyahu’s resignation and the possibility of a more moderate government emerging. The public nature of such an assessment about a key ally’s internal politics by the U.S. has raised eyebrows, with Israeli officials arguing that such disclosures should not occur without prior approval from the White House.
Amid pressures over its support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, the Biden administration is navigating a delicate path, especially as Biden seeks re-election. A response from “a senior Israeli official” criticized the Biden administration’s alleged interference in Israel’s internal affairs, emphasizing Israel’s sovereignty and the right of its citizens to choose their government. This comes as President Biden, following his State of the Union address, appears to distance himself from Netanyahu and his approach to the Gaza war, while still supporting Israel’s confrontation with Hamas, despite setting a “red line” against certain military operations in Gaza for the first time.–Web Desk