"US-Israel Relations Tested as Gaza Death Toll Rises"

The Biden administration is urging Israel to minimize civilian deaths in Gaza while refraining from taking measures that could force Israel to change its tactics, such as restricting military aid. Despite a soaring death toll, the U.S. believes its strategy of privately negotiating with Israel is effective. Withholding military support or criticizing Israel harshly is seen as carrying major risks, including encouraging other parties to enter the conflict and weakening Israel's deterrence effect. The U.S. gives Israel $3.8 billion in military aid annually and has asked for an additional $14 billion. Biden faces pressure from progressive Democrats to set conditions on military aid and support an immediate ceasefire, but any attempt to cut aid could hurt his re-election prospects.