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President Joe Biden during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.
The White House seems increasingly fed up with Israel’s approach to its war against Hamas. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken – who’s set to visit the region again this week in ongoing efforts to secure another cease-fire – warned that all of Gaza faces “severe” food insecurity.
President Joe Bidenreiterated his opposition to a ground invasion in Rafah during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, reportedly noting that Israel needs a “coherent and sustainable strategy” in Gaza. But on Tuesday, Netanyahu told Israeli lawmakers he would press on into Rafah despite Biden's pleas for restraint.
Will the US punish Israel? If Israel defies the US and invades Rafah, recent reporting suggests Biden could consider conditioning aid to the Jewish State — a step that prominent Democrats are advocating. In another sign of his escalating spat with Bibi, Biden last week applauded Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he called for new elections in Israel.
For now, the White House has summoned an Israeli delegation to gather in Washington by early next week for a discussion on an alternative to invading Rafah. But Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel is “determined” to eliminate Hamas fighters in Rafah, adding, “There's no way to do that except by going in on the ground.”