Blinken Tells Israel It Does Not Have the ‘Credit’ to Defeat Hamas

The Biden administration no longer seems ready to support Israel in its fight against Hamas the way Biden has promised to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Secretary of State Blinken, in what is now his fourth trip to Israel, delivered a rather harsh message.

After Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that even if this fight takes months, Israel will dismantle Hamas, Blinken was very blunt, telling Gallant, “I don’t think you have the credit for that.”

Crushing Blow

Blinken met with Israeli officials behind closed doors, but that transcript was leaked to the media.

In no uncertain terms, Blinken was trying to dictate to Israel how it could fight this war.

Blinken reportedly stated, “You can’t operate in southern Gaza in the way you did in the north. There are two million Palestinians there. You need to evacuate fewer people from their homes, be more accurate in the attacks, not hit UN facilities, and ensure that there are enough protected areas [for civilians].

“And if not? Then not to attack where there is a civilian population. What is your system of operation?”

IDF Chief Herzi Halevi responded, “We follow a number of principles — proportionality, distinction, and the laws of war. There were instances where we attacked on the basis of those principles, and instances where we decided not to attack, because we waited for a better opportunity.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant then interjected, stating, “The entire Israeli society is united behind the goal of dismantling Hamas, even if it takes months.”

Which is when Blinken reported shot back, “I don’t think you have the credit for that.”

That appears to be a covert way of telling Israel that the United States will not continue to fund the war unless Israel follows its explicit directions.

Biden has been taking very serious criticism from the far-left members of his party, cracking on what was once a very firm stance behind Israel.

If that report on Blinken’s comments is accurate, it would appear that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Biden are on a collision course.