Biden Officials Criticize Israel's Gaza War Strategy and Netanyahu's Approach

Senior former Biden administration officials have openly criticized Israel's handling of the Gaza war and the White House's policy during President Joe Biden's tenure, according to a detailed New Yorker report based on interviews with dozens of former officials. The report reveals deep frustrations in Washington over Israel's military tactics, lack of sufficient warnings before strikes, and the humanitarian impact in Gaza.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan disclosed that the administration repeatedly debated halting arms shipments to Israel but refrained, believing a hostage deal and ceasefire were imminent. Sullivan admitted in hindsight that the U.S. should have exerted more pressure on Israel to adopt a different approach. Other officials described Israel's unwavering U.S. support as a "moral hazard" encouraging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate the conflict, including actions against Iran and Hezbollah without adequate U.S. notification.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin likened Netanyahu to a gambler risking "the house's money," while Secretary of State Antony Blinken threatened Israel over humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza, warning that allowing food into Gaza was both a moral and strategic imperative. Only after Blinken threatened to cancel Biden's planned Israel visit did Netanyahu permit limited humanitarian aid.

The report also reveals that Biden planned a strong speech to the Israeli public criticizing the war's management and urging a focus on hostage release and avoiding civilian harm. However, Netanyahu and former minister Ron Dermer convinced the White House that a hostage deal was near, leading Biden to soften his message. Some U.S. officials later accused Netanyahu of "playing games" and not genuinely pursuing the deal.

Sullivan described sleepless nights worrying about the U.S. role and the repeated back-and-forth over humanitarian aid deliveries. Deputy National Security Advisor John Feiner harshly criticized the war's conduct, stating that civilian harm was a deliberate strategy by both Hamas and Israel, and condemned the use of U.S. weapons for such purposes. Blinken expressed regret over the war's toll on innocent civilians but defended Biden's judgment amid criticism.