Netanyahu defies Biden’s appeal because it depends on war – 12/26/2023 – Bruno Boghossian

Joe Biden sent word that he is worried about the war in Gaza. On Saturday (23), the White House announced that the president had spoken with Binyamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the “critical need” to protect the civilian population during the conflict and allow the displacement of civilians to safe areas.

If this was indeed an accurate summary of the phone call, the Israeli prime minister did not want to pass on the ally’s appeals. The following day, Netanyahu said that at no point had the US convinced Israel to reduce military action and stated that he was willing to intensify the attacks.

The prime minister needs a victory to stay politically alive. Loyal allies hope for this outcome, but have shown signs of support for international criticism of the violent methods used to get there. Netanyahu doubles down because he knows his future depends on the quickest, cheapest and most eloquent response possible.

Biden’s pressure is limited because he has too many problems at home. Almost 60% of Americans disapprove of his conduct regarding the war. The president can denounce the brutality of the incursion to avoid a divorce with young voters from the Democratic base, but he is unable to abandon a historic partnership with Israel.

Even though Netanyahu is far from being a popular ruler, the threat to his power has little to do with what is happening in Palestinian territory. Eight in ten Israeli voters think that the country follows international rules of war, and 69% say that the suffering of civilians should count little or nothing in conflict planning.

Since the beginning of the war, Biden has repeated that American aid to Israel depends on advancing a solution for the establishment of two states in the region. As there is no unequivocal support for this path in the Israeli electorate, Netanyahu challenged the idea and even said that he is proud to have worked against the formation of a Palestinian state.

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