US President Joe Biden claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the Gaza Strip is causing more harm than help to Israel.
In an interview with MSNBC on the 9th (local time), President Biden said, “Netanyahu has the right to defend Israel and the right to continue pursuing Hamas,” but added, “He is more concerned about the loss of innocent lives as a result of the actions taken.” “It has to be done,” he said.
“I think he is doing more harm to Israel than helping it,” he added.
President Biden had mentioned Prime Minister Netanyahu the day before without knowing that the microphone was turned on. He noted, “I told Bibi (President Netanyahu’s nickname) that you and I need a ‘come to Jesus meeting.’”
In Christianity, the term ‘meeting Jesus moving forward’ refers to the moment when one’s life changes and one gains enlightenment by accepting Jesus. Foreign media outlets pointed out that this remark revealed that President Biden’s dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Netanyahu is growing.
In addition, President Biden warned that Israel’s threat to invade Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, was a ‘red line’ for Prime Minister Netanyahu, but said he would not withdraw support for Israel.
“That is a red line,” he said. “We cannot kill more than 30,000 more Palestinians.”
“I will never leave Israel,” he said. “Israel’s defense remains important,” he emphasized.
Also, while it is unclear whether a truce between Israel and Hamas will be reached ahead of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, President Biden responded to a question related to this, saying, “I think it is always possible. “We will never give up on it (the ceasefire),” he said, raising his voice.
The United States, Qatar, Egypt, etc. have been discussing a ceasefire negotiation plan for 40 days, but the Hamas delegation announced on the 7th that it was suspending ceasefire negotiations, making the possibility of a ceasefire before Ramadan unclear.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.