US Election: Israeli Concerns Rise Over Biden’s Debate Performance

Growing Worries About Regional Stability

Israeli expressed growing concern on June 30 about President Joe Biden’s shaky debate performance, fearing it could embolden the country’s Middle Eastern adversaries.

“There is a real sense of unease here,” said political analyst Miriam Levy. “Many believe that this perceived weakness could encourage our enemies to test US resolve at a critical time.”

Potential Exploitation by Iran and Proxies

Commentators from across Israel’s political spectrum warned that Iran and its proxies might see Biden’s apparent frailty as an opportunity. Israel is currently engaged in conflict with Hamas in Gaza and is contemplating a potential all-out war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“Will Hezbollah and Iran assess that Biden is too busy now to back Israel in case all-out war breaks out in Lebanon this summer?” asked Amos Harel, military affairs analyst for Haaretz.

US Mediation Efforts Intensify

US officials are actively working to broker a diplomatic solution to the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

They aim to prevent a broader regional conflict that could potentially draw in both Iran and the US. The Biden administration is also striving to advance a truce deal for Gaza, which would involve exchanging remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

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“The US is putting significant effort into diplomacy,” said an unnamed senior US official. “But the situation remains delicate.”

Netanyahu Calls for Increased Support

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly urged the Biden administration to expedite munitions supplies before any potential conflict with Hezbollah.

“We need to be prepared for any eventuality,” Netanyahu stated. “Timely support from our allies is crucial.”

Media Reaction and Political Divergence

Israeli newspapers featured the debate prominently on June 30, after it took place before dawn on June 28 local time. Analysts for Israel Hayom and Haaretz offered differing perspectives but agreed on the potential risks posed by perceived US weakness.

“In a world rife with aggressive forces, the unflattering image of an American president – the leader of the free world – appearing weak and incoherent encourages them to exploit opportunities,” wrote Amnon Lord of Israel Hayom.

Debate Performance Sparks Controversy

While some on the Israeli right mocked Biden’s debate performance, hoping for a victory by Donald Trump, others warned against such sentiments. “That’s a display of ungratefulness after the US president stood by Israel and supplied it with large quantities of weapons,” Harel noted. He also cautioned against relying on Trump, calling him “a feeble reed.”

The debate performance of President Biden has sparked significant concern in Israel about regional stability and the potential for adversaries to exploit perceived weaknesses.

As US mediation efforts continue, the situation remains tense, with Israel closely monitoring the responses of its enemies and the support of its allies.