President Joe Biden issued a stern ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding the protection of Palestinian civilians and foreign aid workers in Gaza. The warning came after an Israeli attack killed seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) and sparked global outrage.
The White House did not specify the exact actions it wanted Netanyahu to take but hinted at potential consequences if he failed to comply. Analysts interpreted this as a threat to reduce U.S. support for Israel, including slowing arms transfers or tempering support at the United Nations.
Biden’s call for action follows months of pressure on Israel to change its military tactics, which have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The recent attack on aid workers was described as a turning point for the Biden administration, prompting a reevaluation of its support for Israel.
While Biden has been a long-time supporter of Israel, he has faced mounting pressure from progressive Democrats to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The President’s ultimatum signals a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel and a willingness to impose conditions on arms transfers if necessary.
The Israeli government has responded by announcing steps to increase aid flows to Gaza, but it remains to be seen if these measures will satisfy U.S. demands. The tense conversation between Biden and Netanyahu underscores the growing rift between the two allies and the challenges of balancing domestic and international pressures.