In a move that further strained the relationship between the United States and Israel, the Biden administration chose not to veto a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. This decision has drawn criticism from Israeli officials who believe that the US has abandoned them at a critical time, leaving their reputation as a credible ally in ruins.

The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, explained during a press briefing that while the resolution had some concerns related to Hamas terrorist attacks, it also included elements consistent with the US's longstanding position, such as advocating for a cease-fire and the release of hostages. However, this explanation did little to assuage Israeli concerns.

The aftermath of the US decision led to Israel canceling a high-level delegation's trip to Washington, D.C., where discussions were planned regarding American concerns about Israel's planned offensive in Rafah, a Hamas-controlled city in Gaza. President Biden had requested the meeting, making the cancellation both surprising and unfortunate, according to Miller.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement, expressing disappointment over the US enabling what they referred to as an alleged anti-Israel vote. They argued that the decision damages the war effort against Hamas and the effort to release the hostages, as it gives Hamas hope that international pressure will lead to a cease-fire without the release of hostages.

Former US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, claimed that the Biden administration's perceived criticism of Israel and endorsement of the UN resolution without condemning Hamas or making the release of hostages a condition has given Hamas a diplomatic victory. He compared it to a similar betrayal during the Obama administration, referring to UNSCR 2334, which censured Israel for construction in disputed territories.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby dismissed the idea of a rift, stating that it was the Prime Minister's office creating a perception of daylight when it was unnecessary. However, the clash between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to be escalating quickly, possibly fueled by domestic elections in the US.

Critics argue that Biden's position on Israel is an attempt to appeal to Arab American voters, particularly in Michigan, a key swing state in the upcoming presidential election. Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, accused Biden of becoming the worst president for Israel, claiming that his refusal to veto the resolution is intended to defend and strengthen Hamas and Iran.

The tension between the two allies continues to exacerbate as Israeli officials emphasize their determination to eradicate Hamas terrorists and infrastructure in Rafah, secure the release of over 100 hostages, and prevent a reprise of the previous deadly attack by Hamas in southern Israel.

The Biden administration's failure to veto the UN resolution has not only strained US-Israel relations but has also heightened concerns about the fate of the hostages and the dire conditions they face in Rafah. As the conflict in Gaza rages on, the situation remains fragile, and the path to a diplomatic solution seems uncertain.