The Biden-Harris administration has expressed concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime following undisclosed Israeli strikes, Axios reported Tuesday. The administration has conveyed to Israeli officials that their trust is "very low" and has demanded "clarity and transparency" about future plans, particularly in relation to retaliation against Iran.
The Biden-Harris administration has privately expressed its diminished trust in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following several Israeli military strikes that the U.S. was not notified about, according to a report by Axios on Tuesday.
Biden Administration Questions Netanyahu's Trustworthiness After Unannounced Israeli Strikes
The White House's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, reportedly conveyed to Israeli officials that the U.S. expects "clarity and transparency" regarding Israel's plans, specifically concerning any retaliation against Iran for last week's missile attack.
"Our trust of the Israelis is very low right now and for a good reason," an anonymous U.S. official told Axios.
Biden Administration Questions Netanyahu's Trustworthiness After Unannounced Israeli Strikes
The report emerges after weeks of growing criticism from the Biden-Harris administration towards Netanyahu's regime. However, the administration has repeatedly emphasized its support for Israel's right to self-defense.
Vice President Kamala Harris declined to comment on whether the administration had influence over Netanyahu in an interview this week. When asked why Netanyahu appeared to be "charting his own course" despite U.S. military aid, Harris highlighted the need for humanitarian aid, an end to the conflict, and the release of hostages.
Biden Administration Questions Netanyahu's Trustworthiness After Unannounced Israeli Strikes
"The aid that we have given Israel allowed Israel to defend itself against 200 ballistic missiles that were just meant to attack the Israelis and the people of Israel," Harris stated.
Harris acknowledged the increasing skepticism within the Biden-Harris administration towards Netanyahu. "Our principles include the need for humanitarian aid, the need for this war to end, the need for a deal to be done which would release the hostages and create a ceasefire. And we’re not going to stop in terms of putting that pressure on Israel and in the region, including Arab leaders," she said.
Biden Administration Questions Netanyahu's Trustworthiness After Unannounced Israeli Strikes
Harris notably refrained from directly confirming Netanyahu as a "close ally" of the U.S., instead emphasizing the alliance between the American and Israeli people.
The Biden-Harris administration has been pressuring Netanyahu to move forward with a cease-fire deal in Gaza. Despite these efforts, tensions in the region continue to escalate. One year after the October 7 massacre, Israel is now engaged in a multi-front conflict with Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north.
