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President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a phone conversation on Wednesday, marking their first communication in over 50 days.
This dialogue followed escalating tensions between the two leaders, particularly after Netanyahu declined to authorize Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s trip to the United States until he received a call from Biden.
The call was arranged swiftly thereafter.
Prior to speaking with Biden, Netanyahu had a conversation with former President Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris also participated in the discussion alongside the president.
This interaction comes as Israel contemplates its response to a recent onslaught of missiles launched by Iran towards Israel last week.
Gallant cautioned on Wednesday that Israel’s retaliation would likely take Iran by surprise. “As demonstrated throughout this conflict and across all fronts—anyone who attacks Israel will face consequences. Our response will be forceful, precise, and most importantly—unexpected,” he stated during an intelligence briefing for the IDF.
Biden has advised Netanyahu to ensure that any military action is “proportional,” specifically urging him not to target Iran’s nuclear facilities directly.
The longstanding rapport between these two leaders has deteriorated significantly since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
A further sign of their strained relationship emerged when Biden chose to contact Israeli President Isaac Herzog instead of Netanyahu on the one-year anniversary of those attacks.
Diminishing Hopes for Hostage Negotiations
HOPE FADES FOR A DEAL TO BRING HOSTAGES HOME
Tensions Within Leadership
Netanyahu is known for his skepticism towards Gallant; he has attempted to dismiss him twice already due to public criticisms regarding Netanyahu’s lack of clarity about post-conflict strategies for Gaza.
In an intense phone call back in April, Biden pressed Netanyahu about his strategic plans: “What’s your strategy?” according to Bob Woodward’s new book titled “War.”
A Clash Over Military Strategy
During this exchange, Netanyahu insisted that an incursion into Rafah—a city bordering Gaza and Egypt known as a Hamas stronghold—was necessary.
Biden reportedly responded: ”Bibi, you’ve got no strategy.” He further expressed concerns about what he perceived as Netanyahu’s self-serving motives rather than genuine concern for addressing Hamas threats effectively.
Biden’s Frustration Revealed
Biden later remarked privately about Netanyahu: “He’s a f—ing liar.”
“Bibi is not trustworthy,” he allegedly said according to Woodward’s account.
The president felt deceived by what he interpreted as ongoing falsehoods from Netanyahu regarding intentions toward Hamas members while threatening U.S. support if such actions continued unabated.
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