Netanyahu Pushes Back Against Biden Over Hamas Leader’s Assassination
In a significant escalation of tensions between allies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly countered President Biden regarding U.S. concerns surrounding the assassination of Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. This incident has further complicated ongoing cease-fire negotiations, highlighting the growing rift between the two nations since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly ten months ago.
During a tense conversation on Thursday, described by a U.S. official as heated, Netanyahu firmly rejected Biden’s assertion that Israel was obstructing efforts to reach a cease-fire. He argued that the killing of Haniyeh, which took place on Iranian soil, would not undermine the discussions aimed at halting hostilities and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
A senior Israeli government official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that Netanyahu maintained he was not intentionally hindering progress towards a cease-fire. While he acknowledged that Haniyeh’s death might temporarily stall negotiations, Netanyahu claimed it could ultimately expedite an agreement by increasing pressure on Hamas, according to the Israeli official.
Conversely, President Biden articulated his concerns regarding the timing of Haniyeh’s assassination, particularly as it coincided with what American officials viewed as a critical juncture in the cease-fire process. The U.S. official, who also requested anonymity to discuss confidential discussions, noted that Biden feared this action could risk igniting a broader regional conflict, something he has been actively seeking to avoid.
Both governments have acknowledged that Israel did not inform the U.S. about the operation to eliminate Haniyeh, despite Biden having recently hosted Netanyahu at the White House. According to the Israeli official, Netanyahu opted not to disclose the plan to avoid compromising American interests. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have not expressed any objections to being kept in the dark about the operation.
In a brief interaction with reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, following the return of three Americans released by Russia in a prisoner swap, Biden alluded to his apprehensions regarding the volatile situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the delicate balance that must be maintained.
