How Israel kept Biden backing a Gaza war his administration wanted to end – report

A New Yorker investigation reveals that Biden administration officials regret their unconditional support for Israel, believing it enabled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to broaden the Gaza war. Former officials now see the confrontation with Iran as a direct extension of the Gaza conflict. Doubts emerged early in the war regarding Israel's strategy, particularly the scale of its air campaign and the high civilian casualty risk. Officials were "shocked at how aggressive and deadly it was." Humanitarian aid became a major point of contention, with Israel initially imposing a "complete siege" and resisting US pleas to allow more aid. Netanyahu reportedly ignored US requests to limit the war to Gaza, even calling off preparatory strikes against Hezbollah after direct intervention from President Biden. US officials advocated for intelligence-driven operations over a large-scale ground invasion, but Israeli leaders remained unconvinced. Frustration mounted as Israeli officials repeatedly promised the war would end in "two more weeks," a tactic US officials believe was used to delay confrontation. By early 2024, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed exasperation, stating, "I don't want to hear that phrase 'two more weeks' ever again!"