President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel have delivered starkly contrasting messages regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza this past week, highlighting the deep divide between the two leaders after months of fighting. Netanyahu emphasized the continuation of the war, even if a temporary cease-fire is agreed upon to secure the release of hostages, stating that the conflict would only be “delayed somewhat.” On the other hand, President Biden spoke of peace and the potential for a broader realignment that could finally put an end to the long-standing Middle East conflict.
The differing viewpoints of the two leaders are influenced by their respective political timelines. Netanyahu is keen on prolonging the war against Hamas to defer accountability for his handling of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Biden is eager to bring an end to the conflict to appease the left wing of his party ahead of the upcoming re-election campaign.
Negotiations are currently underway to secure a hostage deal before the start of Ramadan, with Biden expressing optimism about reaching a cease-fire agreement soon. However, the outcome depends on Netanyahu’s willingness to cooperate with Hamas. The strained relationship between the two leaders has been evident in recent months, with disagreements over the Israeli military operation in Gaza.
The dynamics of the conflict are further complicated by the broader political landscape in Israel, where there is strong support for the war against Hamas following the Oct. 7 attack. However, divisions emerge regarding the handling of the hostage situation, with pressure mounting on Netanyahu to secure their release.
The Biden administration sees an opportunity to drive a wedge between Netanyahu and his allies by pushing for a hostage-for-cease-fire deal. This strategy aims to weaken Netanyahu’s position and potentially pave the way for a different political outcome in Israel. On the other hand, Netanyahu may seek to exploit divisions within Biden’s political coalition to his advantage.
As the conflict continues, the stakes are high for both leaders, with political survival and legacy considerations at play. The outcome of the negotiations and the broader implications for the region remain uncertain, as Biden and Netanyahu navigate the complex political landscape surrounding the Gaza war.