Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference with ministers at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. 2023.10.28/ © Reuters = News1 © News1 Reporter Kwon Jin-young
As the United States and Israel clash openly over post-war plans for the Gaza Strip, some analysts say the conflict is good news for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose domestic position is at a disadvantage.
It will be difficult in the long term for Israel to continue the war against Hamas without the support of its biggest ally, the United States, but it is noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu is using this opportunity to renew his image as a leader who does that. not submit to foreign powers.
According to the New York Times (NYT) and the Washington Post (WP) on the 13th (local time), US President Joe Biden said the day before, “Israel is starting to lose support,” and urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change.
US President Joe Biden visits Tel Aviv, Israel, on the 18th (local time) and holds talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 2023.10.18 © AFP=News1 © News Reporter1 Woo Dong-myeong
The reason President Biden strongly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu was because he publicly opposed the plan to control the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Authority (PA) after the war.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a press conference on the same day, “It is true that there are differences of opinion (with the United States) about the post-Hamas era, and I hope to reach an agreement on this as well. ”
This is not the first time that President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu have clashed.
President Biden has supported and often emphasizes the ‘two state system’ in which Israel and Palestine establish two states. In particular, President Biden has called for a halt to the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
However, when Prime Minister Netanyahu returned to power at the end of December last year, he opposed the establishment of a Palestinian state and approved the construction of thousands of new homes for West Bank settlers.
In addition, as he went so far as to pursue judicial reform that directly challenged the separation of powers, the two leaders did not speak for several months, and President Biden did not invite Prime Minister Netanyahu to the White House.
This difficult relationship was finally resolved with a surprise attack by Hamas.
A resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is adopted at the United Nations General Assembly held in New York on the 12th (local time). 2023.12.12/News1 © Reuters=News1 © News1 Reporter Minsu Kim
However, as the United States also has to face criticism from the international community due to the increasing civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, some predict that this conflict could lead to the end of the friendly relationship between the two countries in the future.
NYT reported, “Israeli commentators are debating whether Prime Minister Netanyahu’s criticism could lead to the Biden administration imposing moderate restrictions on billions of dollars in annual aid, military supplies, and diplomatic cover at the United Nations.”
Israeli columnist Nahum Bania in the local newspaper Yediot Aharonot stressed, “President Biden is now watching the war with a stopwatch in his hand,” and added, “One week, two more weeks, the clock is ticking.”
Even in a situation where Israel’s national security is on guard, some analysts say this conflict is an opportunity for Prime Minister Netanyahu to try to rebound in domestic approval ratings.
Prime Minister Netanyahu faced criticism for failing to respond appropriately to the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. In addition, the patience of the families of the remaining 135 hostages is running out.
According to a survey conducted last month by the Jewish Policy Institute, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approval rating was only 32%. On the other hand, the approval rating of War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, head of the second opposition National Unity Party, was recorded at 55%.
On the 7th (local time), Israeli soldiers aim rifles while conducting an operation in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. 2023.12.07/News1 © AFP=News1 © Reporter News1 Kim Min-su
In this situation, Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to rebound in his approval rating by taking advantage of the public opinion that sympathizes with the great goal of eliminating Hamas and trying to show that he is not giving in to foreign pressure.
Itamar Rabinovich, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States, told the NYT, “Prime Minister Netanyahu is preparing for an election campaign in a few months,” and added, “Through this situation, he has built an image as a ‘leader who can stand up to Biden and stop a Palestinian state.’ “I intend to,” he said.
Michael Oren, Israel’s former ambassador to the United States, criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s message to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), saying, “It is a message designed by Prime Minister Netanyahu to gain the sympathy of right-wing voters and modest. Minister Netanyahu is playing politics with our national security.” .
Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Netanyahu is actually receiving cheers from his supporters.
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said, “We respect and cherish President Biden,” but emphasized, “There will be no Palestinian state here (Israel).”
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen also said, “Israel will continue its war against Hamas with or without international support.”
jaeha67@newyddion1.kr
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