WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Dec 12) that the country risked losing global support for its war against Hamas because of its “indiscriminate” bombing of Gaza.
In his most blunt remarks since the Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which provoked the current conflict, Biden told donors that Netanyahu needed to “change” his stance on a two-state solution for the Palestinians.
Netanyahu meanwhile said there was “disagreement” with Biden over how a post-conflict Gaza would be governed, reflecting a rare rift after weeks in which the US leader has strongly backed Israel.
Biden told a campaign event in Washington that Israel had “most of the world supporting it” after the Hamas attacks, in which Israel tallied 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Hundreds were also taken hostage.
“But they’re starting to lose that support by the indiscriminate bombing that takes place,” Biden said.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said Tuesday that more than 18,400 people – also mostly civilians – had been killed in Israel’s retaliatory bombardment of the coastal territory.
Biden had previously refrained from describing Israeli bombing as “indiscriminate”.
And speaking later on Tuesday at a news conference, Biden toned down his comments somewhat.
He said that the United States has to support Israel in the face of the brutality of Oct 7, but that “the safety of innocent Palestinians is still of great concern.”
He also announced that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will be sent to Israel this week for discussions with the war cabinet.
Source: CNA
