Netanyahu and Biden Clash Over Cease-Fire Talks and Hamas Leader's Assassination

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has engaged in a public dispute with President Biden regarding U.S. apprehensions about the killing of Hamas's political leader and Israel's handling of cease-fire discussions. The debate represents the most recent division between the two allies since the commencement of the Gaza conflict ten months ago.

Netanyahu's Rejection of Cease-fire Concerns

During a confrontational exchange, a U.S. official noted that Mr. Netanyahu vehemently refuted the notion that Israel was impeding the progress of a cease-fire accord. Furthermore, he dismissed President Biden's assertion that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian territory could impede efforts to achieve an agreement that would halt hostilities and release captives. An anonymous senior official within the Israeli government disclosed that Mr. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel was not attempting to obstruct a cease-fire. He admitted that the death of Haniyeh, the principal negotiator in the cease-fire discussions, would cause a temporary setback. However, Mr. Netanyahu argued that it would ultimately expedite the finalization of an agreement by intensifying the pressure on Hamas. According to the Israeli official, Mr. Netanyahu maintained that the assassination would compel Hamas to accede to an agreement more swiftly.

President Biden's Perspective

Conversely, President Biden asserted that the elimination of Mr. Haniyeh was ill-timed, as it occurred at a juncture when the U.S. anticipated progress in the cease-fire negotiations. This perspective was conveyed by a U.S. official who declined to be identified when discussing private conversations. Additionally, President Biden expressed apprehension that conducting the operation in Tehran could instigate the broader regional conflict that he had sought to prevent.

Implications of the Dispute

The public dispute between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Biden signifies a notable discord in their stances on the cease-fire and the ramifications of the assassination of Hamas's political leader. This disagreement has the potential to influence the dynamics of the ongoing conflict and the strategies pursued by the U.S. and Israel in the efforts to achieve a resolution.