Biden urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, according to the White House. He also urged Israel to promptly address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and aid worker safety.
The White House stated that U.S. policy towards Gaza would be influenced by Israel's response to these issues. Israel did not immediately respond.
The White House's statement indicated a more assertive stance from Biden towards Netanyahu and hinted at a potential reevaluation of U.S. assistance and political backing for Israel in the ongoing conflict.
Following the White House statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued an even stronger warning to Israel. “If we don't see the changes that we need to see, there will be changes in our own policy,” Blinken stated at a press conference in Brussels.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesman, refrained from confirming whether the U.S. was contemplating imposing conditions on military aid to Israel during a briefing with reporters after the Biden-Netanyahu call. “There are too many civilians being killed,” Kirby emphasized.
Kirby stated that the U.S. anticipated Israel to implement the measures sought by the U.S. within the upcoming “hours and days.” He also noted that Biden was ‘deeply affected’ by the recent deadly strikes on aid workers for World Central Kitchen in Gaza, which influenced the timing of the U.S. reevaluation of its approach towards Israel.
Israel acknowledged that its forces misidentified vehicles transporting the aid workers as hostile targets and subsequently targeted them. The incident raised concerns about the efficacy of the mechanism employed by the Israeli military to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers on the battlefield. In light of the tragedy, the Israeli military announced plans to modify its coordination with aid organizations operating on the ground.
The strikes on World Central Kitchen further fueled demands from congressional critics for Biden to adopt a firmer stance with Netanyahu. Certain Democrats have pressed for Israel to increase efforts to safeguard civilians and have called on the White House to impose additional conditions on aid.
This position could complicate the passage of a $95 billion aid bill in the House, which includes funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. According to House Democratic aides, approximately 20 Democrats are anticipated to oppose the House bill due to their apprehensions about the ongoing conflict.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
