Editorial
The Israeli Prime Minister’s approach to managing the Biden administration’s relationship has sparked severe criticism from Israeli commentators. This reaction came after the United States refrained from vetoing a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council on a recent Monday. The US’s abstention was seen as a significant shift in its usual diplomatic support for Israel, which typically includes veto power used in Israel’s favour at the Security Council.
The Israeli media landscape has been abuzz with criticism towards Benjamin Netanyahu’s increasing tensions with US President Joe Biden. Netanyahu, whose public approval has significantly dropped following an unexpected attack by Hamas on October 7th, has been a longstanding subject of critique by a substantial segment of the Israeli press. However, the tone intensified to levels of scorn and mockery following the US’s rare abstention.
The core of this criticism lies in the deep-seated recognition of the critical importance of the US-Israeli alliance, which encompasses financial aid, arms sales, and unwavering diplomatic backing at international forums like the Security Council.
Despite the Security Council’s vote, the US has maintained that its policy towards Gaza remains unchanged. However, the decision not to exercise the veto followed a weekend of intense communication, with US officials reportedly engaging in continuous discussions with their Israeli counterparts. This dialogue suggests that Netanyahu’s subsequent cancellation of a US visit by an Israeli delegation was a deliberate act rather than a spontaneous response to the vote.
In the Hebrew-language newspaper Ma’ariv, journalist Ben Caspit lambasted the Israeli Prime Minister’s strategy as delusional and dangerous, asserting that Netanyahu’s actions jeopardize the nation’s future and the strategic alliance that underpins Israel’s national security.
Similarly, the left-leaning Haaretz newspaper’s leading editorial criticized Netanyahu as a destructive force to Israel, urging his resignation to prevent further harm to the country and its citizens.
Yedioth Ahronoth, a center-right publication, joined the chorus of disapproval, featuring a satirical cartoon that highlighted the disparity between Netanyahu and Biden. Columnist Nahum Barnea, writing for the same paper, depicted US officials as mocking Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the Washington delegation.
Calls for Netanyahu’s resignation have resonated beyond the media, with figures like Gershon Baskin, known for his role in negotiations for the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, labelling Netanyahu as a grave threat to Israel’s existence.
Critics of Netanyahu share a common perspective, suggesting that his confrontational stance with Biden is a calculated move to project strength amidst declining popularity and a political crisis involving ultra-Orthodox conscription.
The unanimous passage of the UN Security Council’s ceasefire resolution, coupled with the US abstention, signals the potential for more assertive actions against Israel, including calls for sanctions and restrictions on arms transfers. While UN resolutions are theoretically binding, their impact often extends beyond the Security Council, potentially influencing broader international actions.
Former US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer has offered insights into the situation, highlighting the broader implications of the Security Council’s decision.
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