Biden Accuses Netanyahu of War and Piece: Prolonging Gaza Conflict for Political Gain

President of the United States, Joe Biden, made remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is prolonging the war in Gaza to secure his political status. 

In an interview with Time Magazine, the U.S. President stated that there was ample justification for people to reach that conclusion when asked if he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the conflict for political reasons, echoing a common belief in Washington and other capitals that the Israeli leader is using the war to shield himself from political backlash. 

The widespread consensus is that Netanyahu’s popularity has dropped significantly after the October 7th Hamas attack, which exhibited significant flaws in Israeli security. Most political analysts believe that if elections were held now, Netanyahu would lose and be forced into opposition, where he would face corruption charges in court. However, elections have been delayed until the war ends or at least until primary military operations are considered complete. 

Netanyahu’s Dilemma 

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is under increasing domestic and international pressure to endorse a new ceasefire plan for Gaza. However, he is resisting this move due to concerns that it could destabilize his government. Members of the far-right factions within his coalition have threatened to leave if Israel agrees to a ceasefire before achieving “total victory” over Hamas. 

Concurrently, his main political rival, centrist Benny Gantz, has declared that he will resign from the emergency unity government if Netanyahu does not commit to a ceasefire agreement and a post-war strategy for Gaza by June 8.

Netanyahu’s primary motivation for staying in power is to avoid prosecution on corruption charges, which he denies. Nonetheless, he found himself in a difficult position on Friday when U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new truce and hostage release plan, claiming it was based on a proposal from Israel. This move further complicates Netanyahu’s political situation as he navigates the conflicting demands of his coalition and international allies.

Relations between the two nations’ leaders have become increasingly tense in recent months as the war continues. The U.S. has become frustrated with some of Israel’s military tactics, believing they lack sufficient measures to protect civilians. 

Netanyahu’s Strategy: Dissolve, Delay, and Deal?

An editorial in the left-leaning daily Haaretz suggested that Netanyahu, confronted with tough decisions, might dissolve parliament and call for new elections, a tactic he has used before. 

Leading a transitional government would allow him to proceed with the hostage and ceasefire deal without the risk of losing support from his far-right coalition members. Rebuilding relations with Washington could facilitate a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia and postpone divisive issues like ultra-Orthodox conscription.

If elections occur earlier than the planned 2026 date, Netanyahu might still be able to form a coalition. His poll numbers have improved since the October 7 Hamas attack, though initially, only 4% of Israel’s Jewish population trusted him. While most Israelis back the war effort, they also hold Netanyahu responsible for security failures. Recent polls indicate Netanyahu is narrowing the gap with Benny Gantz, who is now only eight points behind.

Political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin noted that Netanyahu might want to control the election timing and conditions to create the best possible situation for himself. A Ramadan ceasefire proposed by Biden failed to materialize, and progress toward a truce was disrupted by Israel’s invasion of Rafah.

The new truce plan introduces a significant change: a six-week ceasefire where a limited number of Israeli hostages would be exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. This ceasefire could be extended indefinitely to allow negotiators to discuss the next phase, minimizing the risk of an immediate return to conflict if negotiations stall.