Days after the killing of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in an Israeli strike in Iran, tensions between the US and Israel have reached a new high. In a recent conversation, US President Joe Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "stop bullshitting me."
This blunt comment came after Netanyahu informed Biden that Israel was advancing negotiations on a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas and would soon send a delegation to resume talks.
The conversation highlighted the strained relations between the two leaders. President Biden ended the discussion with a stern reminder to Netanyahu, saying, "Don't take the president for granted." This remark was made in the context of Israeli-US cooperation amid escalating tensions and the anticipation of a possible full-scale war with Iran and its proxies.
The backdrop of these tensions includes the recent assassinations of several leaders by Israeli forces, which have sparked vows of revenge from Iran and Tehran-backed groups.
President Biden has been rallying regional powers to assist in repelling an unprecedented missile-and-drone attack from Iran on Israel, which occurred during the night of April 13-14.
In response to the report, the Israel Prime Minister's Office issued an official statement, emphasising that Netanyahu does not interfere in American politics and expects the same courtesy from the US. The statement highlighted Netanyahu's commitment to working with whoever is elected president.
Meanwhile, President Biden's decision to drop out of the US presidential election race has had significant implications. A senior Israeli official told the media that this decision has emboldened Netanyahu to take more stringent actions against Iran.
The official noted that President Biden had previously tried to "restrain" Netanyahu, advising him not to respond too harshly to Iran's attacks. This restraint was perceived by Iran, leading them to exploit the situation and attack Israel.
The current state of affairs underscores the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The interaction between Biden and Netanyahu reflects the broader challenges in managing international relations and maintaining stability in a region fraught with conflict. As the situation evolves, the actions and decisions of these leaders will continue to shape the course of events.
The ongoing tensions and the prospect of further escalation require careful diplomacy and strategic planning. Both the US and Israel are navigating a delicate balance, seeking to protect their interests while avoiding a broader conflict. The international community is watching closely, recognizing that the outcomes in the Middle East have far-reaching implications.
The recent exchange between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu is a reminder of the high stakes involved in Middle Eastern politics. The actions taken by these leaders in the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the future direction of the region. As always, the goal remains to find a path to peace and stability, even amid the most challenging circumstances.
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