Israel outraged with Biden over weapons threat, says 'Hamas loves Biden' LiveNOW from FOX

Summary

In a recent interview with CNN, President Biden stated that the US would not supply weapons for an all-out Israeli operation in Rafah, while still committing to Israel's defense with defensive arms like Iron Dome interceptors. This decision to pause a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a signal to Hamas and potentially counterproductive to US and Israeli strategic interests. The statement also raises concerns about its impact on the Palestinians in Gaza and the reliability of the US as an ally in the region. The situation is further complicated by ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with fears of a full-scale war. The discussion emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to address the broader issue of Iranian influence and its proxies in the region, which poses a significant threat to stability and peace.

Takeaways

• 🤔 President Biden's statement on not supplying certain weapons to Israel could have broader implications beyond U.S. interests, potentially affecting Israel, Palestinians in Gaza, and regional allies.
• 🛡️ The U.S. remains committed to Israel's defense, offering defensive arms like Iron Dome interceptors, but has chosen not to supply weapons for an all-out operation in Rafah.
• 👎 Israel's security minister and other officials have expressed disappointment and concern over Biden's remarks, suggesting it could strain U.S.-Israel relations.
• ⏸ The U.S. paused a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel last week, urging more protection for civilian lives in Gaza.
• 📉 Biden's statement might empower Hamas leaders, potentially escalating tensions and protests, and complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.
• 🔄 There is an internal pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu from right-wing coalition partners, which Biden's statement could inadvertently reinforce.
• 🔄 The statement follows a serious threat from Iran against Israel, which could lead U.S. allies in the region to question the reliability of the Biden administration.
• 🕊️ A ceasefire deal with Hamas is not guaranteed, with Israel emphasizing the return of hostages as a key condition, and concerns over the hostages' well-being.
• ⚖️ The situation in Northern Israel with Hezbollah is tense, but not formally at war, with concerns about escalating conflict and the impact on Lebanon.
• 🌐 The broader conflict is part of a larger power struggle, with Iran's influence and actions across the region being a significant concern for stability.
• ⏳ The evolving situation on the ground following Biden's statement remains uncertain, with close monitoring advised to understand future developments.

Q & A

What was President Biden's stance on supplying weapons to Israel during the operation in Rafah?

President Biden explained that the US is still committed to Israel's defense and would supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other defensive arms, but would not supply the weapons and artillery shells for an all-out operation in Rafah.

Why did the US pause a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel?

The US paused the shipment due to Israel's need to do more to protect civilian lives in Gaza, as expressed by President Biden.

What was the reaction from Israel's security minister to Biden's announcement?

Israel's security minister, Etmar Ben-Gvir, posted a message on social media expressing disappointment with Biden's statement.

How might Biden's statement affect the situation in Gaza?

The statement could potentially embolden Hamas's refusal to negotiate, escalate protests, and put pressure on Netanyahu to move further to the right, which may not be conducive to a resolution.

What is the concern regarding the potential ramifications of Biden's statement?

There is a concern that Biden's statement could damage US interests, negatively impact Israel, and even affect the Palestinians in Gaza by escalating the conflict rather than alleviating pressure on them.

What is the current state of the Israeli operation in Rafah?

As of the time of the transcript, Israel has been operating in Rafah, taking over the Rafah Crossing, with a restrained and limited military operation that has faced almost no resistance from Hamas.

What is the significance of the Rafah Crossing in the current conflict?

The Rafah Crossing is a key connection between Gaza and Egypt. Israel's control over the crossing signals a shift in sovereignty in the area and enables Israel to put pressure on Hamas regarding the release of hostages.

What are the concerns regarding the well-being of hostages held by Hamas?

There is a deep concern in Israel regarding the well-being of the hostages, with many fearing for their safety and pushing for their return as quickly as possible, preferably alive.

What is the current status of a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas?

A ceasefire deal is not necessarily on the table, with many conflicting interests and factors making it difficult to predict a timeline or the possibility of an agreement.

How does the situation with Hezbollah in Northern Israel differ from the conflict with Hamas?

While there is intensive fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, it is not formally considered a war. There is a broader concern about Hezbollah potentially dragging Lebanon into a devastating war.

What is the broader context of the conflicts mentioned in the transcript?

The conflicts are part of a larger power struggle, particularly involving Iran's imperialist vision which has caused destruction and havoc in the region, and its proxies holding various groups hostage.