Netanyahu Has Not Yet Answered Biden's Call... "Differences in Opinion, but Call Will Come Soon"

Phone Call with Trump Just Two Days After Inauguration... Concerns Over Deteriorating US Relations
Netanyahu Resignation Protests Grow... Eager for Biden Call Before March Election

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly still not been able to have a phone conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, raising suspicions within Israeli political circles. Unlike former President Donald Trump, who called Netanyahu just two days after his inauguration, it is considered unusual that Biden has not had a first call with Netanyahu even as his first month in office approaches. Netanyahu, who is already on trial for bribery charges ahead of next month's Israeli general election, is said to be eagerly awaiting a call from President Biden amid mounting protests demanding his resignation.

According to foreign media including The Times of Israel, on the 15th (local time), Netanyahu appeared on local TV Channel 12 and, when asked why he had not yet spoken with President Biden, said, "Although there are differences in opinion on issues related to Iran and Palestine, we maintain a very strong cooperative relationship with the Biden administration." He added, "I have maintained a very good relationship with President Biden for nearly 40 years. He will call me soon."

Within Israeli political circles, there is growing controversy over Netanyahu's failure to have a phone call with President Biden nearly a month after Biden's inauguration. Considering that former President Trump called Netanyahu just two days after his inauguration in 2017, there is increasing suspicion that Israel may have been deprioritized in U.S. diplomatic agendas. Some analysts suggest, as reported by The Times of Israel, that Netanyahu, who flaunted a personal closeness with former President Trump, may be struggling to establish a relationship with President Biden.

Earlier, the Saudi royal family, which had showcased a special relationship with former President Trump, also expressed concern over potential changes in U.S. foreign policy after the Biden administration announced it would halt support for the war against Yemen's Houthi rebels on humanitarian grounds. According to CNN, differences between President Biden and Netanyahu remain unresolved on issues such as the expansion of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories and the return to the Iran nuclear deal.

Facing the Israeli general election on the 23rd of next month and currently on trial for bribery charges, Netanyahu is in urgent need of a conversation with the U.S. president to strengthen his political position. According to the Associated Press, Netanyahu is currently on trial for one count of bribery and three counts of fraud, and there are intense protests within Israel demanding his resignation.

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