Biden Warns Netanyahu: US Policy on Israel Hinges on Gaza Aid and Civilian Protection
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that US policy towards Israel hinges on the protection of civilians and aid workers in Gaza, after an Israeli strike killed seven aid workers.
The following day, Biden stated that Israel was complying with his request to allow aid into Gaza.
When asked if he had threatened to withhold military aid during the call, Biden replied, "I asked them to do what they're doing." Israel announced it would allow temporary aid deliveries into northern Gaza through its port and border crossing after talks between Israeli and US leaders.
Israel also dismissed two officers over drone strikes that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen, including a US-Canadian citizen.
The White House urged Israel to fulfill its promises to Biden regarding the aid deliveries and expressed that the US would not conduct its own investigation into the aid workers' deaths.
The US will not conduct an independent investigation into the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to White House Press Secretary John Kirby.
President Biden has supported Israel despite criticism over the high Palestinian death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
However, with the US presidential election approaching and growing opposition from Muslim and young voters, Biden may consider changing his policy.