"Examining Biden's Complex Relationship with Israel and Obama"

Western allies, including the Biden administration, have been inconsistent in their support for Israel's military offensive against Hamas. While initially embracing Israel's right to self-defense, some allies have sought to curtail or abort the campaign. The Biden administration urged Israel to delay launching the offensive, but President Biden has been inconsistent in his statements, at times dismissing the possibility of a cease-fire and at other times suggesting it could be a real possibility. Israelis are concerned that Western allies do not fully understand that Hamas is not interested in political negotiations or a two-state solution, but rather seeks to eliminate the state of Israel. Israelis overwhelmingly support the comprehensive defeat of Hamas and are wary of international pressure to halt the offensive prematurely.