President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held their first conversation in weeks, discussing escalating tensions in the Middle East just as the U.S. election looms. Their 30-minute call, which Vice President Kamala Harris also joined, focused on Israel’s military strategies and its potential response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile strike.
Israel’s Strategic Response and U.S. Influence
As Israel expands operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Biden’s administration has emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense. At the same time, Washington has cautioned against retaliatory strikes on Iranian nuclear or oil sites, moves that could destabilize global oil prices and further complicate the political landscape ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Biden is urging Israel to prioritize humanitarian aid in Gaza, even tying U.S. military support to improvements in this area, with a deadline of 30 days for compliance.
Election Pressure on Harris
Meanwhile, Harris faces mounting pressure from Arab-American voters in swing states like Michigan, who have voiced dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Trump has used this issue to criticize both Harris and Biden, positioning himself as the candidate capable of restoring global peace. Netanyahu’s recent conversations with Trump signal a potential preference for the former president, with Trump’s campaign emphasizing Netanyahu’s ties to a possible future Trump administration.
Biden’s Private Frustrations
Adding to the tension is Biden’s privately expressed frustration with Netanyahu, as detailed in Bob Woodward’s forthcoming book War. The president reportedly accused the Israeli leader of dishonesty, particularly regarding his handling of Hamas. Despite this friction, the U.S. remains deeply involved in Israel’s defense, having sent soldiers and advanced missile systems to Israel in a show of support.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. election draws closer, Biden’s balancing act between supporting Israel’s military needs and managing domestic dissatisfaction with his foreign policy will be critical. The stakes are high, not only for U.S.-Israel relations but also for Biden’s own political future. With Trump continuing to criticize the administration and Netanyahu weighing his options, the intersection of Middle Eastern conflicts and U.S. politics is more pronounced than ever.
