Biden administration's stern message to Netanyahu's rival on Gaza situation

When top officials from the Biden administration expressed their concerns about the dire situation in Gaza as "unacceptable and unsustainable," they were speaking to Benny Gantz, the main political rival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with Gantz, who is a member of Israel's war cabinet, in an effort to increase pressure on the Netanyahu government to allow more aid to enter Gaza. Despite these efforts, the calls for action have largely been ignored, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis and stalled ceasefire negotiations.

Gantz's trip to Washington, DC, was not approved by the Israeli government, so he did not have the Israeli ambassador with him in his meetings. This caused controversy in Israel and angered Netanyahu, who is holding onto leadership by a thread. However, US officials believed it was important to meet with Gantz, who is considered a top candidate to be the next Israeli Prime Minister.

The Biden administration is becoming increasingly frustrated with the Netanyahu government's refusal to open more land crossings for essential aid to reach the people of Gaza. As a result, the US and its allies have resorted to dropping food supplies from the air. The dire situation in Gaza was highlighted recently when over 100 people were killed by Israeli troops while hungry Palestinians waited for a food convoy.

President Joe Biden emphasized on Monday that Israel should not make any excuses for not allowing more aid into the besieged strip.

During a closed-door meeting on Monday, Defense Minister Gantz was repeatedly urged by Vice President Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to take more action to ease the humanitarian crisis in the region, as reported by an administration official.

An Israeli official revealed that Gantz had serious concerns and was somewhat taken aback by the state of US-Israeli relations following meetings. Gantz was surprised by the White House's strong stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the possibility of a military operation in Rafah. Additionally, he gained insight into the administration's increasing distrust of Netanyahu.

Harris emphasized during the meeting that the administration is looking for Israel to take additional action to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. An Israeli official stated that the message conveyed was, "Help us help you."

Gantz wanted to reassure the administration that Israel is ready to evacuate civilians before any offensive in Rafah. He made sure to address their concerns and show understanding.

US officials stressed to Gantz the importance of opening up more humanitarian crossings. This would allow more aid trucks to enter the strip and provide much-needed assistance.

"We've mentioned this before, but the need for urgent humanitarian action is even more pressing now," stated the administration official.

During their meeting at the State Department on Tuesday, Blinken also emphasized the same sense of urgency to Gantz.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Tuesday that there is ongoing engagement with the Israeli Government to open another crossing. In a recent conversation between the Secretary and Minister Gantz, the seriousness of the situation on the ground was emphasized, stressing the need for urgent aid delivery.

Additionally, the discussion touched upon negotiations for an immediate, temporary ceasefire to secure the release of hostages held by Gaza.

A government official from Israel mentioned on Monday that Gantz was not representing the Israeli government during his trip. The Israeli Ambassador to the US was advised by Netanyahu's office not to manage Gantz's visit.

However, officials from the Biden administration believed it was necessary to still schedule meetings with Gantz.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of Gantz as a key member of the war cabinet with a critical vote and stake in the conduct of the war. He plays a vital role in the delivery of humanitarian aid and holds significant influence within the Israeli government, which is why the State Department engages with him.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the growing tensions between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government in Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Biden administration's concerns about the dire situation and calls for increased aid have largely been ignored, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis and stalled ceasefire negotiations.

The article also reveals the Biden administration's frustration with Netanyahu's refusal to open more land crossings for essential aid, which has led to the US resorting to dropping food supplies from the air. The administration's meeting with Gantz, who is considered a top candidate to be the next Israeli Prime Minister, reflects their search for alternative avenues to address the crisis. The administration's emphasis on the need for urgent humanitarian action and their engagement with Gantz underscore their determination to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.