Biden and Netanyahu face strained relations; can they find a way forward? | Global News

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are facing a critical juncture in their relationship as tensions rise over the Gaza war. Biden’s decision to hold up the delivery of heavy bombs to Israel and warn of further suspensions of weaponry if Netanyahu proceeds with a widescale operation in Rafah has put their ties at a new low.

Netanyahu, undeterred by Biden’s warnings, has vowed to press ahead with his plans, stating, “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone.” This defiant stance has put the two leaders on a collision course, with Biden’s traditional approach of managing Netanyahu with carrots rather than sticks appearing to have reached its limits.

The escalating friction between the two leaders comes at a time when they are both facing domestic political challenges, further complicating their ability to find common ground. Biden’s aides are adamant that he is committed to maintaining the US-Israel relationship, but the growing differences between the two leaders are becoming harder to bridge.

As Biden and Netanyahu navigate this delicate balance, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. Netanyahu’s political survival may hinge on the outcome of the Rafah offensive, while Biden faces mounting pressure from various factions within the US, including young Americans and Muslim voters.

The stakes are high for both leaders, with the potential for further strain in their relationship looming large. As they grapple with the complexities of the situation in Gaza and their own political futures, the Biden-Netanyahu dynamic is being put to the test like never before.