### Biden Questions Netanyahu's Motives Amid Tensions Over Mideast Peace Deal

President Joe Biden expressed uncertainty about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions regarding a Middle East peace deal, suggesting the Israeli leader might be influenced by U.S. election politics. Speaking at a rare White House press briefing on Friday, Biden conveyed a firm reminder of his administration's support for Israel but questioned Netanyahu's recent actions.

"No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None. None. None. And I think Bibi should remember that," Biden stated, using Netanyahu's nickname. "Whether he's trying to influence the election, I don't know, but I'm not counting on that."

Biden’s remarks came in response to concerns raised by Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut, who insinuated that Netanyahu's reluctance towards a peace deal could be connected to American electoral dynamics. "I don't think you have to be a hopeless cynic to read some of Israel's actions, some of Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions, as connected to the American election," Murphy commented earlier this week.

The relationship between Biden and Netanyahu has been a longstanding but complex one. The divergence in their views over the Gaza conflict has become more pronounced recently, with political stakes high for both leaders. While Biden seeks to bridge internal Democratic divisions and support his vice president, Kamala Harris, Netanyahu is under pressure from his far-right coalition and domestic issues, including legal challenges.

Negotiations for a peace agreement have been ongoing, yet elusive. Despite multiple indications from Biden and his aides that a deal was imminent, public resistance from Netanyahu has complicated matters. Just last week, Netanyahu dismissed a call for a 21-day Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire supported by the U.S., France, and other allies, reinforcing Israel's stance to "continue degrading Hezbollah until all our objectives are met."

Amid these diplomatic tensions, Israel's military engagements have intensified, targeting Hezbollah leaders and conducting operations in Gaza, which have resulted in numerous casualties. Meanwhile, retaliatory threats loom over Iran's recent ballistic missile attack, adding to the regional instability. Oil prices have surged by 8% in the past week, sparking concerns over potential impacts on the global economy.

Biden refrained from confirming any specific U.S. response toward Iran but hinted that Iran might need to consider alternatives to targeting oil fields. He also dismissed notions of seeking a meeting with Netanyahu to discuss an Iranian response, instead suggesting that such discussions would follow an Israeli decision.

As the situation unfolds, Goldman Sachs has warned of a potential $20 spike in crude oil prices if Israel were to target Iran's oil infrastructure, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Despite longstanding U.S. support for Israel's self-defense, Biden has increasingly voiced concerns over civilian casualties and restrained certain arms transfers. This dynamic was evident when Biden embraced Netanyahu in Tel Aviv following the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, yet continued advocating for cautious military responses.

In contrast, former President Donald Trump, addressing a campaign rally in North Carolina, urged a more aggressive stance towards Iran's nuclear facilities, criticizing Biden's more measured approach. Trump highlighted his past policy moves, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, as indicative of strong U.S.-Israeli relations.

The evolving dynamics between Biden and Netanyahu reveal the delicate balance of pursuing diplomatic solutions while managing regional conflicts and political imperatives.