US President Joe Biden has suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be extending the conflict in Gaza to secure his own political future. In an interview with Time magazine published on Tuesday, Biden stated there is “every reason” for people to conclude that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for self-preservation.
Biden’s remarks drew a sharp response from the Israeli government. Spokesperson David Mencer accused the US president of straying “outside the diplomatic norms of every right-thinking country.” Netanyahu’s popularity has plummeted since the 7 October Hamas attack, and political observers believe he would lose an election if held now, potentially facing corruption charges in court. However, elections have been postponed until major military operations conclude.
When asked directly if Netanyahu was playing politics with the war, Biden later appeared to soften his stance, saying, “I don’t think so. He’s trying to work out a serious problem he has.” The White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby declined to clarify further, stating the president was “very clear” and referencing what many critics have said.
Biden also addressed allegations of war crimes by Israel in Gaza, which are under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ). He gave an ambivalent response, noting that “the people in Gaza… have suffered greatly” but also pointing to Hamas’s responsibility. When asked specifically about using starvation as a method of warfare, Biden said, “No, I don’t think that,” but added that Israel had “engaged in activity that is inappropriate.”
The interview comes at a politically sensitive time as Biden pushes for a ceasefire deal. He recalled warning Israel after the 7 October attack not to repeat US mistakes in Afghanistan and Iraq, concluding that Israel is indeed “making that mistake.”
