Tensions Rise as Hamas Leader is Killed
In the wake of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Thursday, President Biden and his team swiftly mobilized to orchestrate a final push aimed at achieving a significant de-escalation of violence in the Middle East. Their strategy encompasses a cease-fire and a hostage deal in Gaza, a reduction in Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a bold declaration of victory by Israel that could potentially facilitate a withdrawal from retaliatory actions against Iran.
āIt is time for this war to end,ā Mr. Biden asserted as he stepped off Air Force One, which had just landed outside Berlin late Thursday evening. He disclosed that he had reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to āmove onā from the ongoing conflict and to concentrate on fostering a new political landscape for the region.
Vice President Kamala Harris, while tactfully navigating the complex campaign politics at play, emphasized that āit is time for the day after to begin.ā This phrase hinted at the notion that after three weeks of intense military operations in which Israel successfully eliminated key leaders of both Hezbollah and Hamas, their objectives to subdue their adversaries had been largely achieved.
In stark contrast, Mr. Netanyahu conveyed a different narrative, stating emphatically, āThis war is not over.ā This divergence in perspectives encapsulates the ongoing tension between Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu, a theme that has characterized their often contentious exchanges over the past year. With only three months remaining in his presidency, navigating this significant divide represents a crucial diplomatic mission for Mr. Biden.
However, historical patterns in Mr. Biden’s confrontations with Mr. Netanyahu suggest that the Israeli prime minister may be unlikely to heed his counsel or capitalize on the military successes to secure a lasting political achievement. A senior aide to Mr. Biden articulated the administration’s concerns, indicating that the recent elimination of Mr. Sinwar, alongside the prior targeting of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, may reinforce Mr. Netanyahu’s conviction that he was justified in resisting American calls for de-escalation in recent months.
Yet, this time, driven more by a blend of hope and fatigue than by solid evidence, administration officials remain cautiously optimistic that circumstances might unfold differently.