In a recent phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tensions were palpable as Biden expressed sharp criticism of Netanyahu's handling of ongoing negotiations. The conversation, reported by Israeli media, revealed Biden's frustration with what he perceived as Netanyahu's misleading statements regarding ceasefire and hostage release talks.
During the call, Netanyahu assured Biden that Israel was advancing discussions on a ceasefire and plans to release hostages, with Israeli envoys expected to resume talks soon. However, Biden's response was notably blunt. According to reports, the US president demanded that Netanyahu cease what he described as "lying" about the progress of these talks. "Stop talking nonsense," Biden reportedly told Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a concrete agreement.
The White House confirmed that the leaders discussed potential US "defensive military deployments" to support Israel, reflecting the strategic considerations at play amid the escalating conflict. Axios reported that the conversation between Biden and Netanyahu was particularly "tough," with Biden urging the Israeli leader to de-escalate regional tensions and focus on negotiating a ceasefire and resolving the hostage situation.
This exchange highlights the strained dynamics between Washington and Tel Aviv as the conflict continues to impact international relations and security strategies. The call underscores the challenges in achieving a resolution amidst ongoing hostilities and complex diplomatic interactions.
