“Douchebag.” That was the term reportedly used by US President Joe Biden toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to NBC News, which cited anonymous sources familiar with the discussion. The Washington Post corroborated that the relationship between the two leaders has strains, but there is no clear evidence of a shift in the White House’s unwavering support for Israel.
Reports from both outlets indicate Biden growing frustrated with how Israel is conducting its military operation in Gaza. More than 28,000 people have died, and questions are rising about a potential ground offensive in Rafah. Washington has insisted it will not back any operation that fails to guarantee safe evacuation for 1.3 million Palestinians, many of whom have been displaced.
In a 45-minute call with Netanyahu over the weekend, the White House pressed for immediate and specific steps to reduce civilian casualties and to expand humanitarian access for Palestinian civilians held in Gaza while hostages were being sought. The message emphasized prioritizing civilian protection alongside security concerns.
Sources speaking to NBC say Biden’s dissatisfaction has grown as he weighs long-term strategic options. He reportedly pressed Netanyahu on reconsidering military tactics and exploring options that might stop the fighting while still addressing security goals. In private conversations with donors to his campaign, Biden reportedly made blunt remarks about Netanyahu, suggesting the Israeli leader might be pursuing a longer political tenure rather than a swift resolution to the conflict.
a feeling of insignificance
This sense of frustration, reinforced by Biden’s public characterization of the Gaza response as “extreme” last week, has not translated into a policy reversal. Washington’s military, economic, and diplomatic support remains in place, even as some officials criticize Netanyahu’s public stance and reject offers from the United States. Ben Rhodes, a former Obama adviser, summed up this perceived moment of political insignificance in remarks reported by the Post.
Rhodes recalled, in discussing the situation, that unconditional backing for Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza does little if the message is ignored on the ground. The takeaway, as described, is that Washington must choose whether to withhold support or to demand clearer, measurable commitments in return for aid.
For now, the congressional landscape shows a funding package of approximately $17 billion in military aid to Israel moving through the Senate, though its fate in the House remains uncertain. The administration has reportedly explored options such as delaying certain arms sales, urging a change in tactics, coordinating draft plans with Israel, and even considering recognizing a Palestinian state. Yet the White House has not altered its official posture or the pursuit of a two-state framework.
According to the Post, while Biden publicly remains closer to Netanyahu than at any point since the latest conflict began, NBC characterizes a potential turning point as still approaching. The reporting suggests Biden is cautious about overtly challenging a sitting prime minister during wartime, a stance officials worry could undermine credibility if pushed too far.
election impact
Biden’s position on Israel has begun to matter more in his re-election calculations. He faces mounting discontent among voters and within segments of the Democratic Party, including Arab Americans and Muslim communities, which could influence crucial battleground states like Michigan. His support among younger voters and Black voters—who helped propel him to victory in 2020—appears to be softening, and this dynamic nearly guarantees that the political fight will extend into the upcoming election cycle.