Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, reacted furiously to Washington’s refusal to veto the United Nations resolution that called for a ceasefire. He accused Washington of damaging his war efforts.
The U.N. Security Council has passed a resolution that calls for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Gaza as Israel’s conflict with Hamas enters its sixth month. The United States abstained, despite having the right to veto these measures.
In a press release, Netanyahu’s office stated that “this is a clear retreat” from the United States’ consistent position at the Security Council ever since the start of the war.
In the statement, it was stated that a similar resolution would “hurt both the war effort as well as the effort to free the abductees.” This is a reference to hundreds of Israelis still held hostage by Hamas.
It continued, “It gives Hamas the hope that international pressure may allow them to accept an agreement on a ceasefire without the release of our abducted citizens.”
Prime Minister’s Office Statement:
The United States has abandoned its policy in the UN today. Just a few days ago, it supported a Security Council resolution that linked a call for a ceasefire to the release of hostages.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 25, 2024
Netanyahu also “made clear last night” that if the U.S. abandons its principled stance, he would not send an Israeli delegation to the U.S. to discuss the progress made in the offensive.
It said that “Prime Minister Netanyahu decided to keep the delegation in place due to the new American position.”
The dispute is occurring as the Biden Administration continues to insist that Netanyahu abandon his plans to invade Rafah. This is something he has consistently resisted.
In an interview with ABC News, Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States, said that Israel would suffer “consequences,” if it didn’t heed America’s warning.
“We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris told ABC News. “Let me tell you something: I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go.”
Interviewer: “Are there any consequences that you would expect from the United States?”
Harris responded, “I’m ruling nothing out.”
In an @ABC News Exclusive, Vice President Kamala Harris tells ABC’ @rachelvscott an Israeli attack on Rafah would be a huge mistake, and she’s not ruling out “consequences” if Israel presses forward. https://t.co/VM6VCY4x3i pic.twitter.com/Car3AKsMiv
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) March 25, 2024
Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Netanyahu to argue against the invasion.
Blinken, a reporter at the end of the meeting, said: “It could further isolate Israel in the world. It might also jeopardize its security and reputation for the long term.” “It risks more civilian deaths, and it could cause greater harm to humanitarian aid.”
Netanyahu told him he hoped the USA would support them, but “if it’s not possible, we will go it alone.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently meeting privately, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. An expanded meeting with the members of the War Cabinet will be held later. pic.twitter.com/G6cPPBQpBc
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 22, 2024
Biden is under increasing pressure to oppose Israel’s military campaign from the Democratic Party’s left.
Over the weekend it was reported the Biden administration pressed Israel to agree to the release of 700 prisoners in exchange for the 40 hostages held by Hamas. According to reports, at least 25 of these prisoners were serving life sentences.
