WASHINGTON − President Joe Biden warned Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is losing international support over the war in Gaza and pushed back at Israeli’s post-war vision in the president’s most direct criticism of the Israeli government amid the Middle East conflict.
“Bibi’s got a tough decision to make,” Biden, referring to Netanyahu, said to supporters at a Washington D.C. campaign fundraiser Tuesday. “I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move.”
Biden said Israel is “starting to lose” support around the world, singling out Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza and urging Netanyahu to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“This is the most conservative government in Israel’s history,” Biden said, adding that the government “doesn’t want a two-state solution.”
AdvertPresident Joe Biden speaks at a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House on December 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden host a reception to mark the Jewish holidays.
Biden’s remarks came after Netanyahu, in a video statement, said he and Biden have failed to reach an agreement on the future of Gaza after Hamas is defeated. Netanyahu opposes any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the role while the Biden administration supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians.
“There is a disagreement when it comes to ‘the day after Hamas,’” Netanyahu said. “I hope we will come to an agreement there, too.”
Biden has stood in solidary with Israel following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and defended its military actions amid global criticism over mounting civilian casualties in Gaza. But at a White House event Monday celebrating Hanukkah, Biden warned Israel to “be careful.”
“The whole world’s public opinion can shift,” Biden said. “We can’t let that happen
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