Why Biden’s criticism of Israel will never move Netanyahu

The public feud between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Biden intensified last week when Biden announced: a harsh rebuke Israel’s humanitarian record in its war with Hamas. Mr. Biden’s criticism, his most scathing yet, follows. 7 humanitarian aid workers Killed in an Israeli airstrike.

So far, Mr. Biden’s pressure has not influenced Netanyahu toward a more targeted approach to the conflict. Biden’s criticism did not move Netanyahu to even consider a two-state solution. This is because Prime Minister Netanyahu is unfazed by Biden’s criticism. Quite the opposite – Prime Minister Netanyahu has been successful at it.

In the early stages of the war, Biden pledged unwavering support for Israel. Fly to Tel Aviv and hug in public Netanyahu. Since then, the situation has changed as Israel has taken control of Gaza.Biden at his home surrounded by protesters It calls for a ceasefire, or at least a cessation of American weapons against Israel.

America’s position overseas being beaten By the realization that Israel is fighting this war with American funding and support. Over the past three months, Mr. Biden has increased his criticism of Israel, calling for a more strategic military approach that replaces indiscriminate bombing with intelligence-driven targeting using precision-guided weapons.

Prime Minister Netanyahu was unmoved by this criticism. In fact, he’s leaning toward it. The Israeli prime minister feels he needs Biden’s criticism to stay in power. He believes Israelis believe that he is the only one who can keep Israel safe into the future by eliminating Hamas and protecting it from Biden’s intervention.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is a master of political maneuvering. He understands domestic and international power dynamics and public perceptions. He knows he is too. very unpopular in israel right now. His top rival Benny Gantz is currently Early elections this September. At this rate, Gantz will be easy lead his national unity party To victory. The only way for Mr. Bibi to avoid a snap election is to portray himself as the sole protector of Israel from U.S. intervention, reinforcing his image as a strong leader who will stop at nothing to protect Israel’s interests.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s calculating political maneuvering is clear from his consistent statements and actions over the years. For example, during his tenure as prime minister, he has frequently portrayed himself as an unwavering defender of Israel’s security, especially in the face of external pressure.in a speech to 2015 American Israel Public Affairs Committee“We will do whatever it takes to protect the Jewish state,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said.

His refusal to step down under international scrutiny was clear from his reaction to the incident. UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements in 2016. At that time, he asserted Israel’s right to build in Jerusalem, the capital, and firmly rejected the draft resolution.

Moreover, Prime Minister Netanyahu is well aware of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believes agreeing to a two-state solution, or publicly acknowledging its possibility, poses political risks and could weaken his own hold on power. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has built his career on uncompromising security and a tough stance against Palestinian militants. Any deviation from this policy would betray his core supporters and expose him to criticism from his own party and wider conservative base.

By openly defying Biden’s calls for restraint and moderation, Netanyahu is sending a message to his domestic audience. Prime Minister Netanyahu is the only leader who can protect Israel’s security and sovereignty in the face of pressure from the world’s most powerful state. This message resonates especially now, as Israel is embroiled in a deadly conflict with Hamas and the threat of American intervention looms large.

Moreover, Prime Minister Netanyahu understands the strategic value of maintaining tense relations with the United States, especially under a Democratic government. Historically, Republican presidents have been more explicitly supportive of Israeli military action. Democratic presidents, by contrast, tend to balance support for Israel with calls for restraint and adherence to international law. By positioning himself as a bulwark against Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu is reinforcing his image as a staunch defender of Israeli interests, at the risk of alienating a key ally in Washington.

Of course, Netanyahu’s calculations are not without risks. By publicly defying Biden and ignoring calls for de-escalation, he risks further isolating Israel on the international stage and exacerbating tensions with key allies in Europe and beyond. Moreover, his aggressive approach could ultimately backfire, leading to increased pressure from the Biden administration and further tensions in U.S.-Israel relations.

But Prime Minister Netanyahu appears willing to accept such risks in pursuit of his political objectives. For now, he understands that his ability to seize power depends on maintaining the perception of his strength and resolve at home and abroad. Prime Minister Netanyahu will strengthen his own political fortunes and secure his legacy as one of Israel’s most formidable leaders by positioning himself as the only thing standing between Israel and American intervention. It is said that

Prime Minister Netanyahu is thus seeking to shore up domestic support and maintain his grip on power, even as he risks further isolating Israel on the international stage. Whether this strategy is ultimately successful remains to be seen.

Joe Buccino is a retired U.S. Army colonel and an AI research analyst at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Board. He served as Director of Communications for U.S. Central Command from 2021 to September 2023. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Defense or any other organization.