President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had their first call in seven weeks, discussing issues including Israel’s response to Iran. Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, which lasted 30 minutes. Netanyahu had also recently spoken with former President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on Israel’s operations against Hezbollah. The conversation reflects growing frustration between Biden and Netanyahu, as the conflict in the Middle East adds complexity to the upcoming American election.
Netanyahu has disregarded calls for cease-fires from the Biden administration, as the conflict in Gaza continues and tensions with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon escalate. This situation is impacting the American election, with Arab-American voters expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the war in Gaza. Trump has criticized Biden and Harris, positioning himself as a candidate who will restore peace globally. There is a contrast in approaches to foreign policy between the two administrations as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.
Following the call with Netanyahu, Biden and his aides spoke with American rabbis to mark the Jewish high holidays. The administration reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and its allies, while also committing to holding Iran accountable for its actions. Biden has expressed uncertainty about Netanyahu’s influence on the U.S. election and has urged Israel to consider alternatives to retaliatory strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. The situation in the Middle East is raising concerns about potential disruptions in the global oil market, impacting pump prices and influencing voter sentiment.
Israel continues to deliberate on its response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack, with options ranging from symbolic strikes to more significant military actions. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the need for a lethal, precise, and surprising attack against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Since the last call between Biden and Netanyahu, Israel has engaged in a sabotage campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and undertook ground operations to counter the militant group’s threat. The U.S. has maintained a heightened troop presence in the region to safeguard American interests and support Israel in the conflict.
Disclosures from journalist Bob Woodward’s book “War” revealed Biden’s private frustrations and distrust of Netanyahu, with the president reportedly calling him a “son of a bitch” and expressing doubts about his honesty. Biden has been vocal about his concerns regarding Netanyahu’s intentions and commitments, particularly in relation to Hamas. The White House has not commented on the book’s revelations, but the tension between the two leaders adds a new dimension to the already complex situation in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict is a significant factor in the upcoming American election, influencing voter opinions on foreign policy and national security.
