"Challenges in US-Israel Relations: Biden's Role and Democratic Preferences"

The U.S. and Israel appear to be at odds as President Biden seeks a cease-fire in Gaza while Israeli Defense Minister Gallant insists military operations will continue until all hostages are freed. The Biden administration has criticized Israel's approach, with Defense Secretary Austin warning of strategic defeat due to heavy-handed tactics and Secretary of State Blinken condemning new settlements in the West Bank as inconsistent with international law. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has not reined in extremist members of his Cabinet pursuing settlement expansion, highlighting a growing disconnect between the two allies.