In a rare public rebuke, President Joe Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 2 for not doing enough to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to a report by Mediaite. This criticism comes after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) discovered the bodies of six hostages over the weekend, sparking national outrage in Israel.
The situation has been tense since Hamas took 251 hostages and killed 1,200 people during their attack on October 7, 2023, according to the BBC. The current status of the remaining hostages is unclear. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel launched a full-scale military assault on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of 40,530 Palestinians.
Upon returning to the White House from a vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on September 2, Biden was asked by Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason whether he believed Netanyahu was doing enough to secure a deal with Hamas for the release of the remaining hostages.
Biden also mentioned that he had spoken to the family of American-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, who was among the six hostages found dead. Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin have been vocal in advocating for a deal to ensure the safe return of the hostages. They even delivered an emotional address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) last month.
The discovery of more deceased hostages has intensified public outrage in Israel, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities. The IDF reported that the six bodies were found on August 31 in an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. They were killed shortly before the troops arrived.
Following these events, social media erupted with criticism of Netanyahu, accusing him of prioritizing military action in Gaza over the safe return of the hostages. One user commented, “Palestinians want a deal. Hamas doesn’t. Israelis want a deal. Netanyahu doesn’t. Sounds like the problem here is Hamas and Netanyahu.”
Another pointed out, “The people of Israel are mighty mad at Bibi, and with good reason. Like Trump, Bibi has put himself above his own nation.” As the situation continues to evolve, the criticism against Netanyahu both in Israel and internationally reflects growing frustration over his handling of the hostage crisis.