Israeli Prime Minister’s Unease with Biden
The Israeli Prime Minister’s unease with Biden heightened following a visit to Washington by Minister Benny Gantz, his key political rival. The unease was aggravated with Washington ruling out support for Netanyahu’s planned Rafah assault where about a million displayed Palestinians are living in camps.
Assurance from US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured him of Washington’s state of non-interference in Israel’s domestic affairs, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Escalating Concerns within Netanyahu’s Camp
The dialogue unfolded amidst escalating concerns within Netanyahu’s camp over the Biden administration’s perceived attempts to undermine his leadership. Netanyahu’s unease with Biden heightened following Minister Benny Gantz’s visit to Washington.
The Chuck Schumer Factor
Friction escalated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s criticism of Netanyahu’s governance, advocating for fresh elections in Israel. Netanyahu’s Likud Party denounced external interference in Israel’s political landscape.
Growing Support for Early Elections
Key polls in Israel suggest growing support for early elections in the country, a potential advantage for Benny Gantz over PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s critics accuse him of prolonging the Gaza conflict for personal political gain, a claim vehemently refuted by the Israeli PM.
Tensions over Netanyahu’s Rafah Assault Plan
Netanyahu has been regularly talking about a Rafah assault where about a million displaced Palestinians are living in camp, but the United States has ruled out support for Netanyahu’s Rafah assault plan which the Israeli PM maintains is necessary to decimate Hamas.
