TEL AVIV — Relations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden reached a new low this week over the Israel military’s entry into eastern Rafah. Many in Israel were shocked by the American leader's threat to halt the delivery of offensive arms should the government decide to expand the Rafah mission. Once seen as Israel’s greatest benefactor and avuncular uncle, Biden is now for many Israelis a bogeyman responsible for Israel’s woes.
Biden abandoning Netanyahu, not Israel
“Netanyahu understands very well that Biden is not abandoning Israel, but him," a senior political source in Jerusalem told Al-Monitor, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “But he does not hesitate to use the event as political capital to bash the president and set his poison machine on him without hesitation."
The source added, “Instead of trying to put out the fire, at least at this stage, he is fanning the flames and trying to turn himself into a martyr who single-handedly has to fight the dark forces that include Biden."
