Biden And Netanyahu Converse Post-Israeli Strike On Gaza Aid Workers

The strikes, resulting in the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers, including a dual US-Canadian citizen, have sparked controversy within the Biden administration, even as its public support for Israel remains steadfast

President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to hold their first conversation on Thursday since Israel’s recent strike on a convoy of aid workers in Gaza, according to a US official.

Israel has admitted responsibility for the strikes but maintains that the convoy was not intentionally targeted and that the deaths of the aid workers were accidental. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in response to the strikes, Biden directly criticized Israel for failing to protect aid workers and civilians in Gaza. He expressed outrage over the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers, emphasizing that such incidents should not occur.

However, despite the strikes, it seems that the bond between Israel and the United States, its primary ally, remains intact. President Biden is reportedly on the verge of approving an $18 billion deal for fighter jets between the two nations. Additionally, sources familiar with the situation reveal that the US administration has recently sanctioned the transfer of more than 1,000 500-pound bombs and an equal number of small-diameter bombs to Israel.

The president has urged for a temporary ceasefire, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas. He has also emphasized his opposition to Israel launching a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where many displaced Gazans have sought refuge. However, he has refrained from explicitly calling for a permanent ceasefire at this time.

Despite Biden’s criticism of Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict, the messaging regarding Biden’s support for Israel has remained consistent since the fatal strikes.

“Now, I want to make it clear that while we take issue with aspects of how operations are being conducted … we also continue to believe and continue to act on the belief that Israel has a right to defend itself against a still-viable threat by Hamas,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.

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