President Biden's Balancing Act Amidst Israel's Military Response
In his latest book, renowned journalist Bob Woodward unveils the intricate discussions between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. These attacks, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,100 Israelis and 71 foreigners, alongside the abduction of 250 hostages, propelled the two leaders into urgent, high-stakes dialogues. Netanyahu made it clear to Biden that a robust Israeli response was crucial, stating, "These guys believe we are weak. And when you are weak in the Middle East, you are finished."
This conviction led to immediate Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites after an earlier assault where Iran had launched around 180 rockets at Israel on October 1. In a span of four weeks, a power struggle emerged between Washington and Jerusalem, as Biden attempted to manage Netanyahu’s military ambitions. According to Woodward, Biden expressed a cautious stance, partially empowering the Israeli Prime Minister while imposing limits, clarifying that "Netanyahu would certainly do something, but I limit it by telling him not to do anything."
Biden, with his foreign policy experience, understood Israel's need to retaliate against the Tehran regime but also aimed to prevent any escalatory actions that might occur before the upcoming US presidential elections. To reinforce America’s unwavering support for Israel, the Biden administration deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel to intercept potential missile threats.
However, Biden's diplomacy came with explicit boundaries; critical infrastructure like Iran’s nuclear facilities and oil production sites should remain untouched to avoid a regional escalation and rising energy prices. This message was echoed during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to Israel, where his discussions with Netanyahu revealed a strategy of restraint amid public dissatisfaction in Israel concerning the government's response to the Iranian threat.
In an environment of critical military cooperation, Netanyahu praised US coordination during a memorial dedicated to Hamas attack victims. He characterized their retaliation against Iran as "precise and massive," claiming it met its objectives, significantly degrading Iran's military capabilities. Yet, criticism from opposition leaders like Jair Lapid surfaced, arguing that Israel's response was insufficient and lacked attacks on strategic Iranian resources.
Inside Netanyahu's fractious coalition, mixed sentiments surface as right-wing factions, including police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, call for a more aggressive approach. As speculation grows regarding the next U.S. administration—whether Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris—Netanyahu remains cautious, aware that either outcome may shape US-Israeli relations. While Harris might push for humanitarian considerations in Gaza, Trump’s past unpredictability makes it harder to gauge future US foreign policy.
As terrorist incidents increase within Israel and the ongoing conflict continues, calls for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange stagnate. Despite discussions involving the Israeli intelligence service Mossad and CIA officials regarding potential agreements, skepticism reigns regarding Netanyahu's willingness to compromise.
As the political landscape shifts in both Israel and the U.S., any substantial military or diplomatic movements from Netanyahu hinge on events that unfold until the US elections in November. Hostage families, particularly those of the 101 captives held by Hamas, face an uncertain wait for resolutions amidst escalating tensions.
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