President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to have their first phone call since an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers in Gaza. Biden is said to be angry and frustrated and plans to express these frustrations to Netanyahu during their conversation. Despite this, the White House has stated that there has been no shift in policy regarding the US’ support for Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers will be a key topic of discussion during the call, but other issues such as ramping up humanitarian aid and ceasefire talks will also be on the agenda.
The Biden administration has demanded that the Israel Defense Forces make changes to the way information is transmitted about the whereabouts of aid workers following the attack. Israel has acknowledged responsibility for the incident, with Netanyahu stating that the strike was unintentional. World Central Kitchen had coordinated the convoy’s movements with the Israeli military. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has instructed forces to maintain open communication with international organizations and coordinate aid distributions with the IDF’s Southern Command.
As the White House rhetoric becomes more forceful, it appears to be diverging from the administration’s established policy of unwavering support for Israel. The US continues to provide billions of dollars in military aid to Israel without conditions. While there have been tough conversations with the Israeli government about the attack, there have been no reported consequences thus far. The phone call between Biden and Netanyahu is expected to address not only the recent attack on aid workers but also broader issues related to humanitarian aid, hostages, and concerns about a potential ground incursion into Rafah.
The Biden administration has emphasized the need to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza and has called for changes in how Israel coordinates with organizations like World Central Kitchen. Biden’s frustrations over the incident are expected to be conveyed directly to Netanyahu during their phone call. It remains to be seen whether the conversation will lead to any tangible changes in policy or actions regarding US support for Israel.
Despite the tragic incident involving the aid workers, the US government has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s military operation in Gaza. The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu will likely touch on multiple issues beyond the attack, including increasing humanitarian aid and ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire. While the White House’s tone has been tough in its conversations with Israel, there have been no reported consequences or changes in policy as a result of the incident. The call between Biden and Netanyahu will be closely watched for any signs of a shift in the US approach to supporting Israel.
