US President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire with Hamas, as frustrations mount within the White House over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The two leaders, whose relationship has been strained by the nearly 10-month-old war, spoke on Thursday. Biden expressed his support for Israel against threats from Iran and allied militias such as Hezbollah, while also emphasizing the urgency of a cease-fire.
Assassination Complicates Peace Efforts
Biden’s call for a cease-fire follows the recent assassination in Iran of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the killing, though Israel has not confirmed or denied responsibility. Biden noted that Haniyeh’s assassination had “not helped” the situation. This event has further complicated the already tense regional dynamics, with Iran and Hezbollah vowing revenge.
Strained US-Israel Relations
Despite the Biden administration providing billions in military aid to Israel, the US President has struggled to influence Netanyahu’s war strategy. Netanyahu, leading Israel’s most nationalist government, insists on continuing the military campaign until Hamas is destroyed. The ongoing war has caused significant political divisions in the US, adding pressure on Biden to seek an end to the conflict.
Truce Negotiations Stalled
Negotiations for a truce, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, have been ongoing for months with little progress. Biden outlined a plan in May proposing an initial six-week cease-fire, hostage exchanges, and a potential end to the war. However, Israel’s reluctance to agree to any truce that might limit its ability to resume operations against Hamas remains a major obstacle.
Regional Tensions and Global Impact
The recent killings of Haniyeh and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut by Israel have escalated regional tensions. Iran and Hezbollah’s threats of retaliation, coupled with the rising tensions in the petroleum-rich region, have impacted global markets. Oil prices have surged, and the Israeli shekel is experiencing its worst week in over four years. Netanyahu has stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario and will respond aggressively to any acts of aggression.
Biden’s Final Push for Peace
In his final months in office, Biden is determined to end the war. He stressed the importance of de-escalating broader regional tensions and promised new US military deployments to support Israel. The US government has also sent warnings to Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis of Yemen to avoid further escalation. The war in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with approximately 40,000 Palestinians killed according to Hamas-run health ministry reports.
Biden’s efforts to mediate a cease-fire reflect the complexities and challenges of achieving peace in a region marked by deep-rooted conflicts and political divisions. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to the troubled region.