Democratic Divide Over Israel Puts Pressure on Biden – The Wall Street Journal

Posted: May 20, 2021 at 4:41 am

WASHINGTONPresident Biden faces a significant political and foreign-policy challenge as fighting intensifies between Israel and Hamas and Democrats have become more divided on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the violence nears the end of its first week, the president has sought to defuse tensions while avoiding taking sides in the conflict, drawing criticism from many in his party. Republicans have pressed him to take a more firm stance in defense of Israel.

The White House said that Mr. Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in separate calls on Saturday.

The White House on Friday said it was engaged extensively in behind-the-scenes discussions with Israelis, Palestinians and other key players in the region, following the Israeli military launching the most intense bombardment of its five-day military operation in the Gaza Strip, adding tank and artillery fire from the ground to its campaign of airstrikes.

In a statement on the White Houses Eid celebration, Mr. Biden said Friday both Palestiniansincluding in Gazaand Israelis equally deserve to live in dignity, safety and security.

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Democratic Divide Over Israel Puts Pressure on Biden - The Wall Street Journal

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