Biden-Netanyahu standoff complicates the Gaza conflict

Amidst the Gaza carnage, an unexpected standoff has erupted between US President Joe Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Biden’s long-standing support for Israel. The large-scale killing of Palestinians and pro-Palestine protests seem to have stirred Biden’s conscience or reminded him of potential political consequences. After seven months of destruction, Biden urged restraint just as Netanyahu planned a fresh assault on Rafah, where displaced Gazans have taken refuge, straining the traditionally “ironclad” US-Israel ties. PHOTO: AFP