Israel-Hamas war: In another incident which showcased a wide difference between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his hardline coalition over their opposition to a two-state solution, US President Joe Biden, on Tuesday, criticised the top officials and said, "I think he has to change".
Biden said that Israel has been losing global support due to its “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza.
During a campaign fundraiser in Washington hosted by former AIPAC board chair Lee Rosenberg, the US President said, "Netanyahu is a good friend, but I think he has to change. This government is making it very difficult for him to move".
Over 18,000 killed in Gaza
His sharp comments came against the backdrop of Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continued action against Gaza City which is the home of lakhs of Palestinians. According to Israel retaliatory assault has killed 18,205 people and wounded nearly 50,000, according to the Gaza health ministry, drawing sharp rebukes within the United States.
Earlier on Monday, Biden alluded to the complex relationship he has with Netanyahu, suggesting the prime minister is in a "tough spot" and that the two have had their share of disagreements over the years and at present.
Speaking at a White House reception for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, Biden recalled his decades-long relationship with Netanyahu. He noted he made an inscription on an old photograph of the two men, using a nickname for the Israeli leader.
"I love you, but I don't agree with a damn"
"I wrote on the top of it, 'Bibi, I love you, but I don't agree with a damn thing you had to say.'" "It's about the same today," Biden said, to scattered applause from the predominantly Jewish audience, adding that Israel is in a "tough spot" and that "I've had my differences with some Israeli leadership."
He did not elaborate on what differences between the two men remained, though in recent weeks, they have included issues spanning the current war against Hamas and the treatment of Palestinians.
Biden has weathered intense criticism for his support for Israel's response to Hamas' Oct. 7 cross-border attack, when the militants killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. About 100 hostages have since been freed.
Also Read: Israel-Hamas war: Heavy fighting across Gaza continues as Israel renews aggression I Watch drone footage
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