In an interview with TIME, President Biden attacked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreeing with TIME’s suggestion that “Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political reasons.”
When asked that question, Biden responded, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.”
In addition, when asked if Israeli forces have committed war crimes in Gaza, Biden answered, “It’s uncertain.”
“On May 31, Biden laid out a phased cease-fire plan that would end the war and secure the release of hostages,” TIME reported.
In fact, Biden claimed on May 31 that Israel had made a proposal to the terrorist group Hamas and outlined what he said Israel had offered. “Israel has now offered a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire – and the release of all the hostages,” Biden claimed. “Yesterday, this proposal was transmitted by Qatar to Hamas. Today, I want to lay out its terms for the world.”
Biden posted a graphic on X that claimed the proposal was comprised of the following three phases:
Phase 1
- A complete ceasefire
- Withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza
- Release of some hostages and some remains of hostages
- Palestinian civilians can return to their homes in Gaza
- A surge in humanitarian aid
Phase 2
- A permanent end to hostilities
- Exchange for the release of remaining living hostages
- Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza
Phase 3
- Major reconstruction plan for Gaza
- Final remains of hostages are returned to their families
Netanyahu’s office debunked the graphic published by Biden, saying that its proposal allowed “Israel to continue the war until all its objectives are achieved, including the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.”
12 hours later, Netanyahu’s office issued a second statement that was even more pointed in countering Biden’s claims.
“Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: The destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” the statement said. “Under the proposal, Israel will continue to insist these conditions are met before a permanent ceasefire is put in place. The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.”
In early May, after Biden threatened that he would withhold military support from Israel if it went ahead with its operation to target Hamas terrorists inside the Gaza city of Rafah, Netanyahu fired back, “We are on the eve of Independence Day. In the War of Independence 76 years ago, we were few against many,” Netanyahu said. “We had no weapons, there was an arms embargo on Israel, but with the greatness of our spirit, bravery and unity amongst us – we won.”
“Today we are much stronger. We are determined, and we are united to defeat our enemy and those who seek our destruction,” he continued. “If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. I already said that if we have to – we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails, and with the same greatness of spirit, with God’s help, we will win together.”
Related: Israel Debunks Proposal Biden Claims They Made To End War
Netanyahu Responds To Biden’s Betrayal Of Israel: ‘If We Have To Stand Alone, We Will Stand Alone’