Israel

Column: Netanyahu owes the U.S. better answers about Gaza

Author: Editors Desk, LZ Granderson writes about culture, politics, sports and navigating life in America. Source: Los Angeles Times

April 6, 2024 at 07:08

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and then-Vice President Joe Biden in 2016 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. (Michel Euler / Associated Press)

We as Americans should be asking hard questions about Benjamin Netanyahu. Does the prime minister have a vision to end Israel’s war in Gaza that doesn’t include us subsidizing indefinite occupation? Is he capable of the kind of diplomacy that’s necessary for peace?

His history with four U.S. presidents is instructive.

In 2007, President George W. Bush authorized $30 billion in military aid for Israel, which was allocated over 10 years. In 2016, President Obama approved $38 billion. President Trump signed a historic aid package. Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the U.S. has approved more than 100 military deals with Israel. President Biden is currently asking Congress to approve the sale of $18 billion more in fighter jets.

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