Outrage in Israel over far-right minister’s criticism of Biden

JERUSALEM (AP) — Criticism of U.S. President Joe Biden by a far-right Israeli government minister sparked outrage Sunday, underscoring the delicate nature of relations with the United States as Washington steps up an offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Provides important support.

The Biden administration has expressed unwavering support for Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the war, bypassing Congress to send arms to Israel and shielding its ally from international calls for a ceasefire.

But the White House has also urged Israel to take major steps to avoid harming civilians and facilitate the delivery of more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticized that approach in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, saying that Biden was hindering Israel’s war efforts and that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was threatening Israel with Hamas. Will give more freedom to fight.

“Instead of giving us his full support, Biden is busy giving humanitarian aid (to Gaza) and fuel, which goes to Hamas,” Ben-Gvir said. “If Trump had been in power, the conduct of the United States would have been completely different.”

His comments were criticized by retired general and Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, who said Ben-Gvir was “causing tremendous damage” to US–Israeli relations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gantz said that any dispute “should take place in the relevant forums, not with irresponsible statements in the media.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, who also posted

Netanyahu appeared to refer to Ben-Gvir’s comments while addressing the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, without mentioning him by name. The prime minister thanked Biden for his support and highlighted his experience working with multiple US governments, describing a give-and-take approach to Israel’s most important alliance.

“There are people who say ‘no’ to everything, get applause at home, but they are also putting vital interests at risk,” he said.

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Magee reported from Cairo.