Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman strongly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of Israel, calling it “disgusting” and accusing the administration of “supporting Hamas”.
Speaking to Israel's Channel 14, Friedman noted that no one is paying attention to Biden's statements and actions in the world as much as Hamas’ leader in Gaza Yahya al-Sinwar
It is well known that Hamas cannot militarily defeat Israel, stressed Friedman.
Therefore, the Palestinian group’s hopes are pinned on the US exerting pressure and forcing Israel to stop the war, he explained, adding that this is the worst message Biden could send to Hamas amidst negotiations.
Friedman attributed Biden's policy to “narrow partisan interests,” suggesting it aims to court Arab voters in states like Michigan and Minnesota.
When asked about former President Donald Trump’s potential actions if re-elected president and his approach to the Gaza conflict, Friedman avoided a direct answer.
He emphasized Trump’s likely shift in policy towards Iran, contrasting Biden’s approach, which he criticized for not imposing sanctions effectively.
Friedman anticipated Trump would pursue a tougher stance, expand Abraham Accords agreements, and intensify counterterrorism efforts.
Friedman was Trump’s ambassador to Israel.
Sources in Tel Aviv confirmed that Biden had a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their first in over a month.
Biden didn’t try to ease tensions, maintaining a confrontational tone and expressing concern about Netanyahu’s actions.
He advised against provoking a confrontation with the US administration.
Biden also told Netanyahu that the US prefers not to invade Rafah and supports efforts to neutralize the Hamas leadership without civilian casualties.
He emphasized the need for a detailed plan for any military action and expressed concern about disrupting negotiations in Doha with a sudden invasion of Rafah.
They agreed to send an Israeli political-security-strategic delegation to clarify Israel’s plans in this regard.
Moreover, Biden requested that the Israeli delegation to Doha be constructive and empowered to facilitate successful negotiations.
