Tensions escalate as Biden and Netanyahu clash over Gaza conflict

Sign up for CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter to get a closer look at the region's top stories three times a week.

Divisions between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were on full display once again. They exchanged criticisms in interviews regarding Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

During an interview on Saturday with MSNBC, Biden expressed his concern that Netanyahu's actions were causing more harm than good to Israel in the conflict with Gaza. He emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire, while also addressing the issue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

For several months, Biden has been cautioning Israel about the potential consequences of the growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza. The death toll has now exceeded 31,000, prompting Biden to warn that Israel's international support could be at risk.

Netanyahu responded by disagreeing with the American president's assessment and strongly defended his policies in Gaza. He specifically addressed concerns about a potential ground operation in the city of Rafah, which Biden and other global leaders have advised against.

In an interview with Politico and German media outlet Bild, Netanyahu expressed his disagreement with Biden's remarks about him harming Israel's interests. He clarified that he is not pursuing policies that go against the majority of Israelis and emphasized that his actions are in the best interest of the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden.

Getty Images

Related article

A brief exchange during a phone call sheds light on the tense relationship between Biden and Netanyahu.

An estimated 1.5 million Palestinians are currently seeking refuge in Rafah, a city that has been facing continuous bombardment from Israel for several weeks. Families in this overcrowded tent city, situated near the Egyptian border, are experiencing extreme shortages of essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and shelter, while also facing the constant threat of violence.

Biden mentioned in a Saturday interview that an Israeli invasion of Rafah would be a red line. He then quickly clarified that crossing this red line would not lead to any punishment for Israel.

"I want to make it clear that Israel's defense remains a top priority for me," Biden stated. "While invading Rafah is a red line, I will not stop providing weapons to support Israel's security."

Netanyahu stated on Sunday that he plans to proceed with the invasion, ignoring Biden's warning and the ceasefire-hostage deal. He mentioned that the operation would be completed within two months but did not give any details about the exact timeline.

In an interview with German outlet Axel Springer, Netanyahu affirmed, "We will continue with the operation in Gaza. We are determined not to withdraw." He emphasized the importance of not repeating the events of October 7, highlighting his red line.

The Biden administration is not expecting Israeli forces to immediately increase their military operations into Rafah, according to two US officials. As of this weekend, the Israeli government has not presented any humanitarian or evacuation plan to protect civilians in Rafah before initiating a military operation there, the officials stated on Sunday.

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that the ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in over 31,000 deaths and more than 72,000 injuries.

The increasing casualties, extensive damage, and humanitarian emergency have raised concerns about Biden's chances for reelection in 2024. Criticism over his administration's response to Israel's war has led to a push for Michigan Democratic voters to protest through their ballots.

Biden and Netanyahu have been acquainted for many years and have not always seen eye to eye, with disagreements dating back to before October 7. The president has expressed discomfort with the Israeli leader's far-right government. As the conflict in Gaza continues and there is increasing pressure from within Biden's party to address the situation, his critiques of Israel have become more pronounced.

TOPSHOT - A picture taken from Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on March 6, 2024 shows an Israeli army tank moving along the border area, as battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas continue. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)

An image captured near the Israel-Gaza border on March 6, 2024, displays an Israeli army tank in motion amidst ongoing clashes with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The photo was taken by Jack Guez and is courtesy of AFP/Getty Images.

Related article

US not anticipating Israeli forces to enter Rafah at the start of Ramadan

Last month, Biden criticized the war as excessive, which was one of his strongest criticisms since the conflict started. Late last year, Biden and Netanyahu had a public disagreement over the plans for Gaza after the war.

Recently, the administration's language has become even more forceful. Vice President Kamala Harris recently urged for an immediate ceasefire and for increased humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza, citing the significant suffering in the region.

Biden expressed his concern about the situation in Israel, stating that "It cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead," during an interview with MSNBC on Saturday. He also emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, mentioning that the issue is on the forefront of many people's minds, including his own. The president highlighted that over 30,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians and thousands of children, have lost their lives.

In a moment captured on a hot mic, Biden openly shared his frustration with Netanyahu following his State of the Union speech last week.

Biden was heard telling Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Senator Michael Bennett that he plans to have a serious meeting with Netanyahu. He mentioned to them, "Bibi - and don't repeat this - but you and I are going to have a come to Jesus meeting."

When asked about the comment by MSNBC, Biden explained that he has known Netanyahu for 50 years and that Netanyahu understood the meaning behind his words. Biden clarified that the phrase "come to Jesus meeting" signified a serious discussion that he intends to have soon with Netanyahu.

Biden stated that while he supports Israel's right to defend itself and fight against Hamas, he also emphasized the importance of considering the innocent lives lost in the process.

CNN’s MJ Lee, Alex Marquardt, Sophie Tanno, Mitchell McCluskey and Sam Fossum contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the escalating tensions between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Biden has repeatedly expressed concern about the mounting civilian casualties and has urged a ceasefire, while Netanyahu has defended his policies and plans to proceed with a ground operation in Rafah despite Biden's warnings.

The mounting death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have raised concerns within the Biden administration and among the public, leading to criticism of the administration's response to the conflict. Biden has faced pressure from within his own party to address the situation more forcefully, and his recent critiques of Israel have been met with resistance from Netanyahu. The ongoing conflict and the strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu are likely to continue to be a source of tension and a test for the US-Israel alliance. excessive.