What’s happening

Likud MK Tally Gotliv has openly criticized U.S. President Joe Biden over the decision to supply additional fuel to the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing conflict. Gotliv’s remarks also targeted the Israeli War Cabinet for approving the measure, which aimed to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Why it matters

The decision to provide fuel to Gaza is a contentious one within Israeli politics, with critics arguing that it strengthens Hamas, the governing body of the Gaza Strip, which is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States. The criticism reflects a broader debate on how to balance humanitarian needs against security concerns.

The big picture

Gotliv’s comments resonate with the positions of other Israeli right-wing figures, such as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who have both expressed opposition to the fuel provision. This issue underscores the ongoing tension between Israel’s security policy and international efforts to alleviate humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

What they’re saying

Gotliv has invited President Biden to discuss the repercussions of the fuel delivery, emphasizing her belief that there is zero regulation of fuel in Gaza. Her statements infer that the assistance could inadvertently empower Hamas to continue hostilities against Israel. Similarly, Bennett and Ben-Gvir argue that the aid to Gaza compromises the fight against Hamas and terrorism.

Context

The debate over providing aid to Gaza is not new but has gained renewed focus amidst current military operations. The argument posits that humanitarian gestures may inadvertently aid Hamas’s military capabilities, while the counterargument stresses the need to address the dire living conditions of Gaza’s civilian population.

This story was first published on jpost.com.