Report: Biden Criticizes Netanyahu in Private

Facts

• US Pres. Joe Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, making a number of disparaging comments about the leader behind closed doors, according to an NBC News report.¹
• Sources claimed that Biden's private remarks about Netanyahu, some of them to campaign donors, frequently referred to the Israeli politician in contemptuous terms such as 'this guy.' He is also said to have called Netanyahu an 'asshole' at least three times.¹
• Frustrations are said to have grown over the way Netanyahu has conducted his military operation in Gaza, reportedly ignoring US calls to de-escalate the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.²
• This comes as Israel looks poised to launch a military campaign in southern Rafah — believed to be sheltering upwards of 1M Palestinians, many of whom are in makeshift tents after being internally displaced from other parts of Gaza. Numerous world leaders and humanitarian agencies have urged Netanyahu to not go through with the plans.³
• On Sunday, Biden spoke to Netanyahu by phone. According to a White House readout of the call, Biden 'reaffirmed' his view that a military operation in Rafah should not occur without 'a credible and executable plan' for the 'safety of and support' for those sheltering there.⁴
• Shortly after, Israel launched a military operation in which they rescued two hostages from Rafah. However, it was accompanied by strikes that reportedly killed 74 Palestinians, bringing the total of those killed to 28.3K in four months of fighting. Meanwhile, the total number of Israeli hostages rescued in military operations is now three, while 31 have been killed in Israeli bombardment.⁵

Sources: ¹NBC, ²CNN, ³Guardian, ⁴The White House and ⁵Reuters.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by NBC. While the US has not dramatically shifted its policy on Israel, Biden's growing frustration and private remarks regarding Netanyahu are significant – representing a potential inflection point in their relationship, and possibly leading to a slowdown of American aid and weapons to Israel.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. The US has provided unconditional support to Israel throughout this conflict, aiding and abetting its many crimes against the Palestinians. If Biden did criticize Netanyahu in private, those comments are meaningless unless they are followed up by action.

Predictions