Is Israel Stalling Middle East Peace Deal? Biden’s Doubt

Is Israel Stalling Middle East Peace Deal to Influence US Elections? Biden’s Doubt

US President Joe Biden expressed doubts on Friday, speculating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be stalling the Middle East peace deal to influence the outcome of the upcoming US Presidential elections on November 5. Biden’s remark comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, “Bibi,” Biden said that no other country in the world has helped Israel more than the US. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether Netanyahu was deliberately delaying the peace deal to sway the elections. He stated, “No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None. None. None. And I think Bibi should remember that. Whether he’s trying to influence the election, I don’t know, but I’m not counting on that.”

Biden also downplayed the likelihood of an “all-out war” in the Middle East, emphasizing that it must be avoided. However, he reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Israel’s security, adding, “We have already helped Israel. We are going to protect Israel.”

Just last week, the US, France, and other allies jointly called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a request Netanyahu rejected. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu declared that Israel would “continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are met.”

Biden also commented on Israel’s possible plans to strike Iran’s oilfields in response to missile attacks. Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel following its airstrikes in Lebanon, which also resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. “The Israelis haven’t decided what they will do regarding a strike. If I were in their shoes, I’d be considering alternatives to striking oilfields,” Biden said.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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