American President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu just spoke over the phone today (Thursday). The two spoke for over an hour against the background of the mistaken attack on the World Central Kitchen workers and the tensions with Iran, according to Barak Ravid on Walla!
The fallout from the mistaken attack on the WCK convoy was quick and fierce, with Britain and Poland summoning the ambassadors to be reprimanded.
Today, the IDF Spokesperson said that the investigation of the incident has ended and is now being presented to the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister. He also added that the report will be presented to the ambassadors and also to the whole Israeli populace if need be.
This is not the first time Biden and Netanyahu have had tough conversations. Previously, these had been over the need for increased humanitarian aid and frustration at his refusal to become more flexible about a Palestinian state.
The White House's readout of the conversation points to a clear shift in the President's approach to the humanitarian situation, the conditions for a cease fire, and the goals of the war:
"President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable. He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps.
"He underscored that an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians, and he urged the Prime Minister to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home."
