Quick Take:
The White House rejects allegations circulating through a Politico column accusing US President Joe Biden of using derogatory language towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in private. Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, states that Biden didn’t refer to Netanyahu in an insulting way, and highlights Biden’s longstanding respectful relationship with the Israeli leader both in public and in private.
Why It Matters:
This development is significant against the backdrop of a strained rapport between Biden and Netanyahu, accentuated by their differences on Israeli policy towards Gaza, the judicial reform plan causing shifts within Israel, and the potentiality of establishing a Palestinian state.
Biden’s Stance on Judicial Reform and Palestinian State:
Earlier, President Biden urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to reconsider the judicial reform plan that sparked protests in Israel, a suggestion sidestepped by Netanyahu, prioritizing domestic governance over external influence. This resistance converges with Netanyahu’s explicit rejection of a Palestinian state—countering Biden’s envisioned framework aiming to address Israel-Palestine tensions.
The US-Israel Relationship Dynamic:
The conflicted relationship attributes to the Biden administration covertly engaging with members of Israel’s Knesset opposition and civil society representatives, indicative of preparing for a possible post-Netanyahu governance in Israel.
Strategic Ties and Dispute:
Despite discord, it’s crucial to recognize the intricate US-Israel dynamic, encompassing geopolitical cooperation and tense political discord: factors that render these allegations and their denial by the White House essential bearings in guiding future diplomatic engagements.
This story was first published on jpost.com.