The former leftwing minister called for not conceding. With Biden’s visit to Israel and the expected American demand to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, former minister Omer Bar-Lev wrote on his Twitter account: “A full siege of Gaza. No water, no electricity, no food. Like Beirut 1982.”
“Water to the southern Strip – only in exchange for the return of the kidnapped children and women. A broader humanitarian effort only for the return of all the captives. We mustn’t give up even if Biden applies pressure.”
Many are expressing their concern that Biden, despite his speech in support of Israel, will call for a cease-fire or at least require Israel to allow significant humanitarian aid on a daily basis when he visits the country tomorrow.
Biden is expected to meet with President Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and representatives of families of victims who were murdered or kidnapped to Gaza. He may also meet with Defense Minister Gallant and two members of the war cabinet, Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot.
The President will then fly to Amman, where he will be hosted by King Abdullah and meet with Egyptian President Abd el-Fatah el-Sisi and Palestinian Authority Chairman Abu Mazen, in a four-way diplomatic conference meant to deal primarily with the war in Gaza – an event which can have a major effect on the IDF’s response and the expected ground invasion.
Netanyahu Needs to Decide
Bar-Lev’s position is highly unusual given he is a member of the Labor Party, on the left side of the political map.
Netanyahu now faces a serious dilemma. On the one hand, Biden with his support for Israel has forced him to listen to his instructions and refusal is almost impossible. On the other hand, the families of the murdered and wounded, the 199 families of captives and the whole nation including his voters – will not be willing to accept it lying down.
It would seem it is only tomorrow when Biden visits that it will be seen how Netanyahu decided to act.
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