On Sunday, February 11, the Washington Post reported that U.S. President Joe Biden and his top aides no longer see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a productive partner who can be influenced.
According to the article, amid growing disappointment in Netanyahu, some of Biden's advisers are urging him to publicly criticize the Israeli prime minister over military actions in the Gaza Strip. The journalists note that until recently, Biden held Netanyahu in high regard, having known him for over 40 years, and was largely reluctant to take his private frustrations public so far. However, sources cited in the article suggest that Biden is close to agreeing with his advisers as Netanyahu continues to infuriate the White House with his dismissive public remarks and prompt rejections of basic U.S. demands.
This article is based on interviews with 19 senior administration officials and outside advisers, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.
While the Washington Post writes about the crisis in Biden and Netanyahu's relationship, Israel's Kan Bet radio station reported, citing a source in Washington, that an evening call between the U.S. President and the Israeli Prime Minister was scheduled for February 11. According to the Israeli radio station's source, the conversation will focus on efforts to release hostages.
