Washington D.C. – President Joe Biden recently had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for the IDF to take steps to protect Palestinian civilians and aid workers. The discussion followed the death of seven aid workers in targeted airstrikes while delivering food to civilians in Gaza.
Biden expressed his frustrations with Netanyahu’s refusal to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The White House made it clear that changes must be made to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground and provide more humanitarian assistance.
The President’s motivation to push for change came after speaking with celebrity chef Jose Andres, who founded World Central Kitchen. Biden views Andres as a personal friend, which added to his determination to address the situation in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s actions have long been scrutinized for the treatment of Palestinians, as he has operated with confidence in his country’s support from American leaders. The toxic dynamic of American support for Israel being a politically sensitive issue has often hampered efforts to pressure Netanyahu to change course.
However, following the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu, Israeli officials announced the opening of another land crossing into northern Gaza, allowing for more aid to reach the conflict zone. Additionally, the IDF released findings of a preliminary investigation into the airstrikes that killed the aid workers, citing serious mistakes and errors in decision-making.
The Israeli military acknowledged the tragedy and pledged to evaluate the individuals involved in the attack to determine if they should face consequences. While the US views Israel’s recent actions as a positive step, they are cautiously monitoring the situation to ensure that changes are sustainable and verifiable.
Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Israeli-led report and called for an external investigation. The Biden administration will review the Israeli probe to determine the next steps in addressing the situation in Gaza.
Overall, while policy changes towards Israel and Gaza may not be immediate, the conversation surrounding conditioning defense assistance on Israel’s behavior marks a significant shift in the White House’s approach. The willingness to openly discuss such measures suggests a potential shift in US policies regarding the conflict.