A Far-Right Israeli Minister Criticizes President Biden’s Handling of Hamas Tensions
JERUSALEM — The recent comments made by Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked outrage among Israeli officials and highlighted the sensitivity of the relations between the United States and Israel. Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister, criticized President Joe Biden, stating that having Donald Trump in power would have allowed for more freedom to fight Hamas.
Tensions Between the Biden Administration and Israel
Since Hamas’ attack on October 7, the Biden administration has been accused of hindering Israel’s war efforts by diverting so much focus on humanitarian aid and fuel to Gaza. The administration has skirted Congress to rush weapons to Israel and shielded it from international calls for a cease-fire. However, the White House has urged Israel to take greater measures to avoid harming civilians and allow more aid to the besieged Gaza.
Ben-Gvir’s comments drew sharp criticisms from Benny Gantz, a retired general and member of Netanyahu’s three-man War Cabinet, who claimed that Ben-Gvir’s remarks were “causing tremendous damage” to U.S.-Israeli relations. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also voiced his disagreement with Ben-Gvir’s comments, stating that they demonstrate his lack of understanding in foreign relations.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Ben-Gvir’s comments as “racist” and called for international sanctions against him, citing that his remarks jeopardize the stability of the region. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address Ben-Gvir’s remarks but insisted that he does not require any assistance in navigating his nation’s relations with the U.S. and the international community.
The Far-Right’s Demands and Israel’s Offensive
It is worth mentioning that Ben-Gvir, along with other far-right figures, is advocating for the “voluntary” mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the return of the Jewish settlements that were dismantled when Israel withdrew its troops from the territory in 2005. This stance is strongly opposed by the Biden administration.
Furthermore, Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which includes several far-right members, has threatened to bring down the Israeli government if they perceive Netanyahu to be too lenient towards Hamas. Netanyahu, however, asserts that Israeli forces are carrying out “very aggressive raids” in northern and central Gaza while simultaneously handling remaining Hamas battalions in the city of Rafah.
Over the course of the war in Gaza, vast areas of the tiny enclave have been leveled, approximately 85% of the population has been displaced, and a quarter of the residents are on the brink of starvation. The death toll of the conflict has risen to 27,365, with the majority being women and children.
Humanitarian Crisis and Negotiations for Ceasefire
Recently, Israeli airstrikes hit two houses and a mosque in Deir al-Balah, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the injury of at least 60 others, including children. Palestinians seeking refuge in hospitals are deprived of basic necessities, with no access to proper sanitation facilities. The situation has driven them to voice their desperate desire to return to their homes.
As the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the region this week, a priority for the Biden administration is to provide more humanitarian aid to Gaza. Blinken’s visit includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel, where he will address the ongoing negotiations to secure the release of the remaining captives taken during the pivotal October 7 attack.
Efforts to secure a cease-fire and secure the release of Palestinians jailed in Israel have been challenging since Hamas has demanded the end of Israel’s offensive and the release of thousands of incarcerated Palestinians. Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly ruled out Hamas’ demands. The coming days will reveal Hamas’ response to the recent cease-fire offer.
The situation in Israel and Gaza continues to evolve, and interested readers can follow AP’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
