Washington – Pro-Israel lawmakers in both parties are expressing growing concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his handling of the conflict with Hamas. While progressive lawmakers have been critical of Netanyahu and Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, it is significant that pro-Israel lawmakers on key national security panels are now voicing frustration about his leadership.
Questioning Netanyahu’s Strategy
Some lawmakers are questioning whether Netanyahu has a clear strategy to end the war. They suggest that he may be deliberately prolonging the conflict to stay in power. They believe that any ceasefire or peace agreement would be detrimental to him politically.
“It’s really hard to defend Bibi or to justify his political strategy in all of this,” said one House Republican who deals with national security issues. “There’s real distrust, real questions about his ability to lead, and I think he’s very, very unpopular.”
A House Democrat who serves on a national security committee agreed, calling Netanyahu a “disaster” and expressing concern about civilian casualties. They believe that the current strategy of a military approach only in large-scale bombing will only worsen the problem.
Mounting Frustration
The frustration with Netanyahu extends to the Biden administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently traveled to the Middle East to propose a path forward for Gaza after the war ends, but Netanyahu rejected the proposal. President Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone to discuss Israeli operations in Gaza and efforts to free hostages, but tensions between the two leaders have been apparent.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner urged Israeli officials to provide more humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, warning that a failure to do so could result in another front in the war.
Mixed Support on Capitol Hill
While some lawmakers are losing confidence in Netanyahu, others continue to support him. Rep. Tom Cole, who serves on the Appropriations subcommittee on defense, believes that Netanyahu should be given a free hand to do what is necessary in the war. Rep. Steny Hoyer, a longtime ally of Netanyahu, supports him in his fight to protect Israel.
However, Hoyer believes that Netanyahu’s time has come and gone and that a changing of leaders will eventually happen.
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