Biden set to address concerns with Netanyahu in upcoming phone conversation
President Joe Biden is scheduled to have a crucial phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their first dialogue since the tragic incident involving the loss of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza. The call is expected to address pressing issues and frustrations between the two leaders.
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have their first phone call on Thursday since seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike.
Biden is feeling "angry" and "increasingly frustrated" following the deaths, and he is ready to express these emotions to Netanyahu during their conversation, as stated by a senior administration official.
"They said he will voice his frustrations.
White House officials have made it clear that despite the aid workers' deaths, the US will continue to support Israel's ongoing military operation."
There has not been a change in policy, according to a senior administration official. Instead, there has been a shift in the president's frustrations.
During Thursday's call, President Biden is set to address the deaths of the World Central Kitchen aid workers as well as other issues with Prime Minister Netanyahu. These issues include increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, ongoing hostage negotiations, ceasefire discussions, and the US's worries about a possible ground invasion in Rafah.
The Biden administration has been in talks with the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli government officials regarding the need for changes in how information is shared about the location of aid workers. A US official mentioned that the president will address this issue directly in his upcoming phone call with Netanyahu on Thursday.
The US official expressed concerns about the transmission of information regarding the aid convoy, stating that it may not have reached the targeting team or may have been ignored. This situation is seen as problematic and in need of attention.
WCK said its team was traveling in a “deconflicted zone” when the attack took place.
WCK said its team was traveling in a “deconflicted zone” when the attack took place.
Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/Getty Images
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Analysis shows that the Israeli attack which resulted in the deaths of aid workers was consistent with multiple precision strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the attack, stating that Israeli forces had unintentionally targeted innocent individuals in the Gaza Strip. World Central Kitchen confirmed that they had coordinated the convoy's movements with the Israeli military.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has directed forces to keep communication channels open and transparent with international organizations following the attack on the convoy.
In addition, Gallant has instructed for the prompt establishment of a joint situation room to facilitate coordination of aid distributions between international organizations and the IDF’s Southern Command. This directive came after a meeting with senior Israeli defense officials.
The White House rhetoric has been getting more intense, but it seems to be straying from the Biden administration's official policy on Israel. Despite this, Israel still receives strong, unwavering support in the form of billions of dollars in military aid.
When questioned about why there haven't been any repercussions for Israel after the strike, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that they are in talks with the Israeli government and that these discussions have been challenging.
CNN’s Allegra Goodwin, Gianluca Mezzofiore and Jack Forrest contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic deaths of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, killed by an Israeli airstrike, have heightened tensions between the United States and Israel. President Biden's anger and frustration will likely be palpable in his upcoming phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the Biden administration maintains its support for Israel's ongoing military operation, the incident has raised concerns about the accuracy of airstrikes and the need for improved communication between the IDF and aid organizations.
Beyond expressing condolences, President Biden is expected to address a range of issues during the call, including increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, ongoing hostage negotiations, ceasefire discussions, and the potential for a ground invasion. The administration has also expressed concerns about information-sharing regarding the aid convoy, suggesting the possibility of a communication breakdown that led to the deadly attack. The outcome of the call will be closely watched as it could shape the future of US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
