Defence Secretary John Healey was questioned about whether US President Joe Biden has been “humiliated” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the Israeli government rejected calls for a ceasefire. The awkward exchange took place during an interview with Sky News presenter Yalda Hakim.
The US, a key ally of Israel, has been advocating for de-escalation amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Biden, along with other global leaders, proposed a 21-day ceasefire to ease the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected these calls, insisting that Israel will not halt its military operations until “all the objectives of the war have been achieved.”
Hakim directly asked Healey: “Do you think President Biden is humiliated now, as every time he proposes something, Netanyahu rejects it?” She also questioned whether the US was failing to use its full influence over Israel.
Healey praised Biden’s leadership, acknowledging the challenges of diplomacy. “Diplomacy is difficult, you sometimes get setbacks, but the fact that the UK, the US, and the United Nations have been pushing for a ceasefire shows that we are committed to these efforts,” he said.
Hakim pressed further, pointing out that the conflict has expanded, with over a million Lebanese displaced and the death toll rising, despite Biden’s aim to avoid escalation.
Healey responded by reiterating the UK’s stance. “Our argument to Israel is clear: stop the missile attacks, and Israel must also cease fighting. This path is essential to ending the conflict.”
Healey faced similar questions on BBC Breakfast, where he defended Labour’s efforts to push for peace in parliament and at the UN. He also confirmed ongoing discussions with Israeli officials, encouraging a reduction in civilian deaths in Gaza while recognising Israel’s right to defend itself.
You may also like: Israeli ambassador refuses to rule out strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites amid tensions
