US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at odds over cease-fire agreement following targeted killing of Ismail Haniyeh. Image (The New York Times)
The targeted killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has precipitated a rift between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, imperiling the already tenuous cease-fire negotiations. Biden has expressed dismay over the assassination, citing its poor timing and potential to escalate the conflict. Conversely, Netanyahu asserts that the operation will hasten a cease-fire agreement by applying pressure on Hamas.
The clandestine nature of the Israeli operation has also raised eyebrows, with the US government not being informed of the plan beforehand. This lack of transparency has further strained the relationship between the two leaders, casting doubt on Netanyahu’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Biden has dispatched additional warships and aircraft to the region to forestall a potential Iranian reprisal, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation. Meanwhile, the cease-fire plan, which includes the release of 33 hostages and Palestinian prisoners, remains stalled due to disagreements over the repatriation of deceased hostages and control of the Philadelphi corridor.
The discord between Biden and Netanyahu has complicated the peace process, with the US President pushing for a swift agreement and the Israeli Prime Minister insisting on his conditions. As the situation continues to unfold, the prospects for a cease-fire agreement remain uncertain, leaving the region teetering on the brink of further conflict.
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