Washington Visit Scrapped, Israel’s Ties With Biden At New Low As US Abstains From UN Gaza Ceasefire Vote

The relations between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tanked to a new low after Washington allowed passage of a resolution on ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations drawing sharp criticism from Netanyahu.

Following the UN Security Council session where the United States of America abstained from voting on a resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli PM abruptly scrapped a visit to Washington this week by a senior delegation to discuss Israel’s threatened offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, reported Reuters.

The UNSC achieved a significant breakthrough on Monday after the council passed the resolution to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramzan. The resolution was moved by the 10 non-permanent elected members of the Council and was adopted with overwhelming support, with 14 nations in favour and none against while the US abstained from voting. 

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The development comes five months after the war erupted between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel killing at least 32,783 Palestinians and 1,139 Israelis. 

Why Did The US Change Its Stance 

As sudden as it might look, the change in the US’ stance on the war came after multiple warnings by the Biden administration about reconsidering their position in the view of mounting civilian death toll in Gaza. The US was also concerned with the statements made by some Israeli leaders who spoke about the resettlement plan in Gaza. 

In a statement issued in January this year, the US State Department said, “This rhetoric is inflammatory and irresponsible. We have been told repeatedly and consistently by the Government of Israel, including by the Prime Minister, that such statements do not reflect the policy of the Israeli government. They should stop immediately.” 

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The shift in stance by the US also stems from the US presidential polls this year where Biden is up for a re-match while his contender Donald Trump is attempting to capitalise on Washington’s unconditional support to Israel. 

The US is also concerned over Israel’s planned ground invasion in Rafah, the last relatively safe haven for Palestinian civilians which is holding nearly 1 million people. The now-scrapped visit by the Israeli delegation was scheduled to discuss Rafah but the US said it would “find other ways to make our concerns known”. 

As per a Guardian report, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that State Secretary Antony Blinken is likely to discuss Rafah with visiting Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant.