Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,090 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
Publicly, Biden has voiced strong support for Israel. But he expressed concern over an offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah and suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over fears that they would be used in populated areas.
Despite the tensions, the United States has defended Israeli interests while taking a key role in mediation efforts, and the countries’ military relationship remains strong, officials say.
But Council on Foreign Relations Middle East specialist Steven Cook said that “never before has the atmosphere been so fraught”.
“There is clearly tension in the relationship, especially between the White House and the Israeli prime minister,” Cook said.
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