Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Israel After U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution
The relationship between the United States and Israel has hit a rocky patch following the passage of a U.N. cease-fire resolution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that he would not be sending a high-level delegation to Washington for planned meetings with U.S. officials.
President Biden had requested the meetings to discuss alternatives to a planned Israeli offensive into Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where over a million people have sought refuge. American officials have warned that the offensive could lead to a humanitarian disaster.
The fallout from the U.N. resolution, which called for a cease-fire for the holy month of Ramadan, was immediate. The U.S. representative abstained from the vote, allowing the measure to pass. This decision was met with strong criticism from Netanyahu, who denounced it as a departure from the consistent American position.
In response to the abstention, Netanyahu decided to cancel the Israeli delegation’s trip to Washington. While the practical impact of this decision may be limited, it represents a public rebuke of Israel’s closest ally.
Despite the canceled delegation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is still in Washington for meetings with top U.S. officials. However, there is no indication that Israel is willing to agree to a cease-fire at this time.
The U.N. resolution has drawn angry responses from far-right elements of Israel’s government, who see it as a sign that President Biden is not prioritizing Israel’s fight against terrorism. The resolution calls for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, the Palestinian armed group.
Hamas has welcomed the resolution and expressed willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange process. The group has called on the Security Council to pressure Israel to comply with the cease-fire and end the conflict.
The strained relationship between the U.S. and Israel comes at a time when international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict is mounting. President Biden and other U.S. officials have been openly critical of Israel’s military campaign, calling for more efforts to avoid civilian casualties and allow aid into Gaza.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely to see how the U.S. and Israel navigate this challenging period in their relationship.
