Biden and Netanyahu speak for the first time since Israeli strike killed aid workers in Gaza

Israel has admitted responsibility for the strikes but asserted that the convoy was not the intended target, and the deaths of the workers were not intentional. The country is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the killings.

The strikes, resulting in the deaths of seven workers with the World Central Kitchen, including a dual US-Canadian citizen, have caused uproar within the Biden administration, despite its unwavering public support for Israel.

In a statement on Tuesday responding to the strikes, Biden explicitly held Israel accountable for failing to safeguard aid workers and civilians in Gaza. He expressed outrage over the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers, stating, "Incidents like yesterday’s simply should not happen."

However, these strikes have not jeopardized the relationship between Israel and the United States, its largest and most significant ally. Biden is poised to approve an $18 billion sale of fighter jets to Israel, and the administration recently authorized the transfer of over 1,000 500-pound bombs and over 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

The president has called for a temporary ceasefire, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas, and has reiterated his stance against Israel undertaking a ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. However, he has refrained from explicitly advocating for a permanent ceasefire.

Biden's reluctance to do so contrasts with the actions and public statements of other world leaders, including US allies.

Last month, Biden criticized Netanyahu, stating that he was "hurting Israel more than helping Israel," prompting Netanyahu to rebut Biden's assessment of Israel's actions in Gaza.

While Biden has voiced criticism of Netanyahu's approach to the conflict, the messaging regarding Biden's support for Israel has remained consistent since the deadly strikes.

"I want to emphasize that while we have reservations about certain aspects of the operations, we maintain our belief and continue to act upon the belief that Israel has the right to defend itself against a significant threat posed by Hamas," said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby during a press briefing on Wednesday. "They have every right and responsibility to protect their people from that threat after the 7th of October.

"And so," he continued, "our support for Israel remains unwavering."