U.S. President Joe Biden's support for Israel in its war against Hamas has led to a division within the United States, particularly as calls for a ceasefire grow louder. According to the British newspaper "The Guardian," the impression has strengthened that Benjamin Netanyahu is not truly listening to the Americans and continues to reject any form of ceasefire while Hamas remains undefeated and Israelis are held hostage. A new poll indicates that 68% of Americans want a ceasefire, while nearly 40% believe that Biden should act as a "neutral mediator" instead of defending Israel.
Poll results are disappointing for Biden just a year ahead of the U.S. elections, especially as he loses support from Arab and Muslim communities in swing states due to his strong backing of Israel in the recent conflict. In the parallel battle for global public opinion, it is clear that Biden and the West are losing regarding Gaza, as the immense anger felt by Arab countries—and beyond—over the unbearable human losses is deep and may have lasting geopolitical consequences.
After October 7, Biden exhibited genuine sympathy for Israel but failed to rein in Netanyahu. Ignoring Biden's warnings, Netanyahu aims to retain control over Gaza indefinitely, and as always, he rejects the two-state solution. As long as Netanyahu remains in power, Biden and Western leaders will face a continuous challenge in Jerusalem, prolonging the suffering in Gaza, damaging their credibility at home, harming their interests abroad, and posing a persistent risk of a broader war.
Whether the question is about Gaza’s future, a Palestinian state, the Iranian threat, or genuine democratic governance, Netanyahu is an obstacle, now more than ever since the war began. The newspaper concluded its report by stating: "A note to Joe, there can be no peace while Bibi Netanyahu is in charge."
