In a dramatic turn of events, US President Joe Biden issued a stern ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, demanding that Israel take immediate steps to protect Palestinian civilians and foreign aid workers in Gaza. The warning came after an Israeli attack killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK), sparking global outrage.
The White House did not specify the exact actions it expected from Netanyahu, but analysts believe the implicit threat is to reduce US support for Israel, including arms transfers and support at the UN. Biden’s message marks a significant shift in his approach to the conflict, as he faces pressure from progressive Democrats to rein in Israel’s military tactics that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
The recent attack on the WCK aid workers served as a turning point for Biden, prompting him to take a more assertive stance towards Israel. The President’s call for concrete and measurable steps to address civilian harm and humanitarian suffering in Gaza reflects a growing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict.
While Biden has long been a staunch supporter of Israel, he appears to have reached a breaking point, signaling that he may impose conditions on arms transfers if Israel fails to meet his demands. The escalating tensions between the two leaders could have far-reaching implications for US-Israeli relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely to see how Netanyahu will respond to Biden’s ultimatum.