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.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 Biden's Stance on Israeli Defense and Impact on Regional Dynamics

The first paragraph discusses President Biden's commitment to Israel's defense, including the supply of Iron Dome rocket interceptors and defensive arms. However, Biden also indicated that the US would not supply weapons for an all-out operation in Rafah. This stance has been met with mixed reactions, with Israel's security minister and others expressing disappointment. The paragraph also highlights concerns that Biden's statement could empower Hamas, strain US-Israel relations, and affect the broader Middle East situation, including the potential for conflict with Iran.

05:00

🕊️ The Ceasefire Dilemma and the Plight of Hostages in Gaza

The second paragraph delves into the potential impact of Biden's statement on the ceasefire deal and the situation of hostages in Gaza. It mentions that while a ceasefire deal has not been approved by Israel, the conditions proposed by Hamas, including the return of hostages regardless of their state, are of great concern. The well-being of hostages is a significant worry for Israel, and the government is under pressure to secure their release. The paragraph also explores the possibility of a ceasefire agreement being reached and the challenges involved in predicting the timeline and outcome of the conflict.

10:01

⚔️ Escalating Tensions: Israel's Skirmishes with Hezbollah and Broader Regional Concerns

The third paragraph addresses the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Northern Israel. While no formal war has been declared, the situation is described as an intensive fight with fluctuating intensity. The Lebanese consensus, including former Hezbollah leaders, is highlighted as being against Hezbollah dragging Lebanon into war. The paragraph emphasizes the broader struggle against Iran's imperialist vision, which is causing havoc in the region, and calls for action to counter this threat. It concludes with a call for the world to recognize the severity of the situation and act accordingly.

Keywords

💡Iron Dome

The Iron Dome is an Israeli air defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming short-range rockets and artillery shells. It is a critical part of Israel's defense strategy and is mentioned in the transcript as one of the defensive arms the US is committed to supplying, highlighting its importance in maintaining Israel's security.

💡Rafah

Rafah refers to a region in the southern part of the Gaza Strip and is also the name of a crossing point between Gaza and Egypt. In the context of the video, Rafah is significant as it is an area of operation and a point of contention between Israel and Hamas, with the US potentially withholding certain types of military support for operations there.

💡Hamas

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist and militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. The group is central to the conflict discussed in the video, with its actions and policies being a key factor in the ongoing tensions and military operations in the region.

💡Palestinians in Gaza

The Palestinians in Gaza refers to the civilian population living in the Gaza Strip, many of whom are affected by the ongoing conflict and military operations. Their situation is a significant concern raised in the video, with discussions on how different political and military actions may impact their lives and safety.

💡Netanyahu

Netanyahu refers to Benjamin Netanyahu, who has served as the Prime Minister of Israel at various times and is a key political figure in the region. His policies and decisions regarding military operations and relations with the US and other regional players are discussed in the context of the video.

💡Right-wing partners

The term 'right-wing partners' refers to the political allies within Netanyahu's coalition government who tend to hold more conservative or hardline views on security and foreign policy. Their influence on Netanyahu's decisions and the potential impact of Biden's statements on the government's direction are mentioned in the transcript.

💡Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of Iran's armed forces responsible for upholding the country's Islamic values and interests. The IRGC commander's threats against Israel, as mentioned in the video, reflect the broader geopolitical tensions and the role Iran plays in the region's conflicts.

💡

💡Hostages

The hostages mentioned in the transcript refer to Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The wellbeing and potential release of these hostages are significant concerns for the Israeli government and are central to the negotiations and ceasefire discussions.

💡Ceasefire deal

A ceasefire deal refers to an agreement between conflicting parties to halt hostilities temporarily or reach a peaceful resolution. In the context of the video, the possibility of a ceasefire deal is discussed, with emphasis on the challenges and conditions that need to be met for such an agreement to occur.

💡Hezbollah

Hezbollah is a Lebanese political and militant group backed by Iran, which has been involved in conflicts with Israel. The ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, as mentioned in the video, is part of the broader regional instability and reflects the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East.

💡Iranian regime

The Iranian regime refers to the government of Iran, which is discussed in the video as having a significant influence on regional conflicts through its support for various proxy groups like Hezbollah and its opposition to Israel. The regime's actions and objectives are a major point of concern and discussion in the context of the video.

Highlights

Biden stated that the US will not supply weapons that Israel could use for an all-out operation in Rafah.

The US remains committed to Israel's defense and will supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other defensive arms.

The US paused a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, with Biden urging Israel to protect civilian lives in Gaza more.

Israel's security minister and other officials expressed disappointment and concern over Biden's statements.

Biden's comments may have negative ramifications for the US, Israel, and Palestinians in Gaza.

The statement could embolden Hamas's refusal to compromise and escalate protests on campuses.

There's a growing demand in the Arab world for Hamas to end the suffering of the people of Gaza.

Netanyahu's policy is influenced by pressures from right-wing partners in the coalition.

Biden's statement might push Netanyahu closer to right-wing partners, affecting political calculations.

The statement by the Biden administration follows a serious threat from Iran to expand the war against Israel.

US allies in the region are concerned about the reliability of the US administration after Biden's statement.

Israel has taken control over the Rafah Crossing, signaling a shift in power dynamics with Hamas.

Israel's operation in Rafah has been restrained so far, with little resistance from Hamas.

The well-being of hostages held in Gaza is a major concern for Israel, with conditions being unknown.

Hamas's proposed ceasefire deal, which mentions returning hostages dead or alive, is not acceptable to Israel.

There is difficulty predicting a ceasefire agreement due to conflicting interests of involved parties.

Fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah, with concerns of escalating towards a full-blown war.

There is a consensus in Lebanon against Hezbollah dragging the country into a devastating war.

The situation should be viewed as part of a larger power struggle, particularly Iran's imperialist vision.

Transcripts

he will not. supply

weapons. that Israel could

use to launch an all-out

operation in rafah during

that interview with CNN

Biden explained that the US

is still committed to

Israel's defense. and would

Supply Iron Dome rocket

interceptors and other

defensive arms, but the

president did add if Israel

goes into Rafa quote.

we're not going to supply

the weapons and artillery

shells used the US chose

last week to pause a

shipment of heavy bombs to

Israel. with Biden saying

Israel needs to do more

to protect civilian lives

Gaza. reaction coming in

from Israel as Israel's

security minister. etmr

benga posting on social

media after that

announcement. this message

right here on your screen

he did say Hamas. Hearts

Biden. Israel's un Envoy

calling a quote very

disappointing now. I do

want to talk about all of

this here and the latest

developments out of the

Middle East. Let's bring in

AI melamed former Israeli

intelligence official and

the founder of inside the

Middle East. Thank you so

much. as always for taking

the time to be here with

us. Hello, Josh. Thank you

for having me. Of course.

Well first off I do want

to talk a little bit about

those. comments from Biden

obviously making headlines

over the past several hours

here. So what would be the

significance in that? Rafa

operation if Biden were

not. to supply the weapons

the US? not supplying those

weapons to Israel. what

sort of impact does that

have? Well Josh, I think

there are very good

reasons. why to be

concerned about the potential

ramifications of that

statement because it may

sound. almost ironic but

not only damaging the

United States. interest.

It's not only damaging

Israel's interest it may

also negatively. radiate on

the Palestinians in Gaza

themselves and let me

explain shortly. What

are the reasons for that

concern first? uh that

statement basically plays

first, uh that statement

basically plays to the hand

of the leader of Hamas in

Gaza Street and basically

embolden his refusal. And

by the way, it's ironic

because at the same time

in the Arab world,

there is a growing demand

from Sinar and the

leadership of Hamas to end

the tragedy and the misery

of the people of Gaza. So

of the people of Gaza. So,

this is Biden's statement

though. He condemned

strongly the robust protest

in the campuses in the

states. It's actually could

be a backwind to the

protesters even to

escalate their protests in

the campuses the third

reason is it has to

do with Netanyahu. it has

to do with Netanyahu that

1 of the major is not the

major guiding line in my

view of netanyahu's policy

with the war with the whole

issue of his Heritage natal

was very clearly stating

time and again saying

Israel will operate in

rafah Israel will not stop

the war until the hostages

are back home in

Israel is committed to and

Hamas. in Gaza street, so

right here that statement

actually Corner Netanyahu

in a sense that he is

under a lot of pressure of

his right wing. Partners in

the coalition to move on

with the plans. and so it

may be that Biden's

statements Ironically will

push Netanyahu further to

the arms of the

right-wing Partners in the

government. and basically for

manual perspective, that

could be something that is

could be guarded by a

political calculation.

thing saying that well if I

will stand and against and

confront the US president

that will bolster my

position politically with

the inner Israeli political.

game and field and finally.

most significant. Biden

Administration Comes a day

after a very serious

statement by the commander

of the Islamic revolutionary

regarding Iran who basically

threatened to expand the

war against Israel including

imposing. Naval Siege in the

Eastern Basin of the

Mediterranean. but

an Administration Biden

statements the next day is

viewed very, um, concerned

sort of speaking by many

of the United States

allies in the region and

it's a little bit ironic

because following the very

active and very

significant. role of the

United States in

successfully intercepting

the Iranian attack on

Israel on April 14. that

has been rehabilitating the

decline in the image of the

United States. So now

unfortunately, it seems

like Biden's statements

once again, compromises.

that that positive process

because allies of the

United States in the

region Arab states, who are

seriously to it and by the

Iranian regime say to

himself Well, if ban

Administration is kind of

like throwing Israel under

the bus in the time of

War. how can we rely on?

this Administration? and I

would say the bottom line

of all this thing is

basically a major question

that has to be asked to

what extent that statement

in the end of the day.

meets the same. goal that

Biden himself was setting

when he was clearly saying

the ultimate goal of this

war is to end Hamas

swing Gaza Street. I'm

afraid that this statement

is not necessarily taking

things doors that

direction. and in fact it

may be counterproductive.

to United States. strategic

interests. to Israel's

strategic interests the

United States. Regional

allies strategic interests

and not less significant.

It will not necessarily.

alleviate the pressure on

the people of Gaza City

it may exactly achieve. the

other counter outcome. and I

think this kind of says it

all as you are seeing that

reaction. pour in I read

this a short time ago, but

uh we did hear from

Israel's security minister

simply posting on Twitter

or X and saying Hamas

Hearts Biden now is all of

this putting more of a

strain on the relationship

between the US and Israel

because we've seen uh The

Strain kind of increasing

so to speak over the past

several months. Yes, I would

definitely think so Look

it's yet another level of

this increasing intentions

as you mentioned before.

this time. It's kind of

like almost an open Rift.

um and it has to be very

quickly repaired in the

Middle East terminology.

if you are being viewed as

an untrusted, um, uh

partner if you are being

viewed as a partner, that

is not reliable. to your

own strategic interests,

There is ramifications to

that I think that whoever

gave President Biden that

advice actually that was a

better advice I think that

it would have been much

better to continue the

Practical dialogue between

Israel and the United

States beyond the scene.

and to coordinate what is

and the right measures the

right path to move

forward. bearing in mind

that in the end of the

day. both. United States.

Israel. a major Arab states

like Saudi Arabia Egypt

Jordan United Arab

Emirates, They all have the

share. goals strategically

speaking and that is to

eliminate Hamas ability to

continue and to dictate its

radical agenda because

continuing to do that is

serving. the Iranian regime

who is engaging this

imperialist Vision the drag

the region to Havoc

destruction and death and

also presents a very

serious threat to the

United States. interest. So

unfortunately, I think that

there is a reason to be

concerned. that. Biden's

statement. May. jeopardize

the interests of the United

States Israel major Arab

states and again, I want

to emphasize the need of

the Palestinians in Gaza

themselves. to uh for

stability. the ratha

operation officially

speaking has not begun here,

but we do know that Israel

has operated so to speak

in Rafa. do we know? what

sort of goals they've

achieved so far? What up

until now? Israel has been

at least openly stated it

has been operating taking

over the rafah Crossing.

This is the crossing

connecting Gaza street

with Egypt that Crossing

by the way. that Crossing

was the first thing that

Hamas burned down to the

ground in. 2007. when Hamas

took control over Gaza

Street, by taking away

control over the

rafah crossing. Obviously,

this is of course. first

and Israeli signal to

Hamas. That is no longer

The Sovereign in the in the

area and second basically

enables Israel and other

pressure car sort of

speaking to put both in

the context of Hamas as

well as in the context of

the whole negotiation. with

the issue of the releasing

of the hostages. So up

until now that was a very

restrained restricted

limited Israeli military

operation And what by

the way which confront

almost no resistance.

sort of speaking by Hamas.

but obviously, the the

question of course is

what's going to be next.

particularly. following the

statement made by president

Biden Um, so we'll have to

watch him to see how things

will evolve on the ground.

I want to talk a little bit

more about the ceasefire

deal that really isn't

necessarily on the table.

Hamas came up with this 1

that they talked about.

approving, but it was 1

that was not approved by

Israel Now it does mention

returning hostages quote

dead or Alive is that

concerning for Israel

overall when the conditions?

of the hostages are already

unknown at this point. It

is a major concern. as you

probably know not so long

ago. there has been

statement by Israeli

Security Services and

agencies. expressing a deep

concern. regarding the

well-being of many of the

hostages. kept in Gaza

Strip This is a major

source of concern. This

is of course 1 of the

thing that puts additional

pressure on the government.

to try and to reach a deal

in order to bring back as

much as possible as

soon as possible. hostages

and obviously as much as

possible. alive, Um, but

there is a lot of concern

in Israel regarding the

well-being of the hostages

and there are very good

reasons to be concerned.

Do you see? a ceasefire

deal being reached at any

point prior to that Rafa

operation at this point

Netanyahu is said that? we

are getting very close to

the actual operation

happening Is it even

possible that? a ceasefire

deal could be reached? its

maybe be it may be but again

there is so much. ins and

outs. There are so many

factors involved There are

so many. contradicting

conflicting. interests of

the players involved. It's

very very difficult to try

to predict. where things

are heading Exactly and what

will be the timeline I would

say very consciously that

it might be that we will

see now further movement

towards an agreement but

again, I'm going back to

Biden's statement. which

made me which make me

very concerned because I do.

afraid or I'm concerned.

that that statement will

embolden the refusal

position and will come

from. the position of

Hamas. and particularly. its

leaders in Gaza Street and

the ramifications of that.

maybe in the context of

delaying. and postponing a

possible. a possible.

ceasefire agreement. Want

to talk a little bit more

about what's going on in

Northern Israel right now

We do know the fighting

does continue at this

hour between Israel and

Hezbollah that has been

going on for quite been

while. So I want to get

your take on this is is

real essentially at war

with Hezbollah. I do know

that no war has officially

been declared like we've

seen against Hamas but is

Israel, essentially at war

with Hezbollah as well. no

not formally. in terms of

like formal definition.

It's an intensive fight

Which kind of like shifts

from time to time to

different level of

intensity. but we are not

in a war for speaking but

definitely there is a

concern the Israeli minister

of Defense. Just listen

you say there is a concern

that things could

deteriorate towards the

direction. um in the

context of the Hezbollah, I

think it's important to

notice that in Lebanon

itself. There is a

a consensus across the board

including by the way. she

leaders Including by the way

believe it or not the

former. Secretary General of

the Hezbollah. all of those

people. Christians Drew

Sunnis Shiites in Lebanon

are basically expressing an

enormous concern about the

possibility that Hezbollah

once again will drag

Lebanon to a a war. and the

message in Lebanon to the

Hezbollah is you have

kidnapped Us in the service

of Iran. that's enough for

itself bad. We don't need

you now also to beg us to

a devastating War. that

will basically result in

the total disintegration of

Lebanon. So this is 1

I would say major calculation

of Hezbollah and the

Iranians in the context of

the Skirmish the fights

that goes on between

Hezbollah and Israel along

the mountain border.

All right Abby. Melamid as

always. Thank you so much

for taking the time to

join us and break down the

latest developments.

They are out of the Middle

East. Is there anything

else you want to add about

any of this before I let

you go. Well again I need

to re-emphasize what I'm

always saying. uh that

will should be. viewed in

the right proportions in the

right proportion is that

is basically part of a

larger Powers struggle

particularly the Iranian

imperialist Vision, which

brings death destruction and

have on the region we saw

the massive Iranian attack

on Israel. We saw the

catastrophe the Iranian

caused in Lebanon in Syria

in Iraq in Yemen, we saw

how Iranian proxies are

holding the world hostage the

houthis. we saw how

the Hamas and Islamic Jihad

holding Israeli hostages and

their own brothers and

sisters, by the way. also

hostages, I think all of

those things should make

the world really wake up

and understand. This is a

very serious alarm. and

it's time that calls for

action. to block the Iranian

imperialist vision.

All right. I'll

be thank you so much. as

always for taking the time

to be here with us. We

appreciate it.