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In a groundbreaking rebuke, President Joe Biden criticized Israel's opposition to the two-state solution and expressed concern over potential international isolation due to the "blind bombing" of the Gaza Strip.
As AP reports, this unprecedented move comes amidst rising tensions in the Israel/Hamas conflict, marking the first time Biden has openly disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden's remarks were recorded against a backdrop of Washington's growing unease with Israel's military conduct, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and civilian casualties. Despite a recent U.S. veto on a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, Biden warned of Israel losing global support.
The term "blind bombing" gained prominence as Biden emphasized the need for Israel to confront Hamas while cautioning against actions risking international backing. These comments were made at a private fundraising event, following a previous White House event where Biden urged Israel to be cautious about shifting world opinions.
During a subsequent press conference, Biden reiterated Washington's support for Israel but expressed deep concern for the safety of innocent Palestinians. He announced that White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would travel to Israel for talks with Netanyahu's government.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken highlighted the imperative for Israel to prioritize civilian protection, noting a perceived gap between intention and reality. Calls within the U.S. for a firmer stance and potential conditions on military aid to Israel are intensifying, particularly from the left wing of the Democratic party.
Referring to Netanyahu as a "good friend," Biden acknowledged the need for change within the Israeli government, citing challenges in facilitating this change. He pointed out that Israel's current government, perceived as the most conservative in its history, opposes a two-state solution.
Confirming tensions with Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister acknowledged disagreements with Biden, emphasizing their differing visions for the region's future. Netanyahu rejected repeating the mistakes of the Oslo Accords and provided no clarity on the plan for the Gaza Strip post-conflict.
The U.S. administration leans towards the idea of the Palestinian Authority assuming governance in Gaza after the conflict concludes.
Simultaneously, disturbing videos and photos depicting derogatory behavior by Israeli soldiers in Gaza have surfaced, causing international outrage. Despite the Israeli army pledging disciplinary action, critics argue that these incidents reflect a national sentiment in support of the war with little empathy for Gaza's civilians.
The videos, uploaded by soldiers during their time in Gaza, reveal soldiers riding bicycles through rubble, moving prayer rugs into a bathroom, filming confiscated items, and attempting to set fire to scarce food and water supplies. These incidents add a layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, sparking concerns about the dehumanization of soldiers and the broader sentiment in Israeli society.
As these events unfold, the intricate interplay of diplomatic tensions, military strategies, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to shape the trajectory of the conflict. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the response to these challenges and the evolving dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and the international community.
[With information sourced from AP]
