Despite Calls to Challenger, Palestinian President, Biden Still Hasn’t Called Netanyahu After Election Win

President Biden has yet to call Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his victory in this week’s Israeli elections, even though interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid has conceded defeat.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council told Fox News Digital that President Biden would meet with Netanyahu “soon”, but avoided naming Netanyahu as the next prime minister, instead saying, “Netanyahu will join the Knesset.” He will be tasked with forming a government in the next few days after winning a majority in the

“The president has known and worked with Bibi Netanyahu for many years,” the spokesperson added. “Last year, when Netanyahu was prime minister, they worked closely together and met again during the president’s visit to Israel in July.”

Secretary of State Antony Brinken called Rapid this week to “commend Israel’s free and fair elections and thank the Prime Minister for his partnership” and stressed concerns over “rising tensions” in the West Bank. .

Netanyahu looks ready to return to power in Israel after fifth election

But so far only US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides has congratulated Netanyahu in person, with a “good phone call” with Netanyahu on Thursday asking him to “work together to maintain an unbreakable bond.” Said he was looking forward to it.

Biden and Blinken swiftly approve Brazil’s next president, Lula da Silva, even though Jair Bolsonaro has yet to formally concede defeat, and begin the transition process to his chief of staff instead – and Brinken called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday to discuss a “joint effort to strengthen Palestinian security and reaffirm its commitment to a two-state solution.” .

Netanyahu’s election victory in Israel presents ‘tough challenge’ to US Middle East policy

The disparity in reaction to each outcome sets an uneasy tone for the regime entering the new Netanyahu administration. A source familiar with the internal debate told Fox News Digital that senior administration officials were reluctant to admit Netanyahu won the election.

President Biden was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.
(AFP via Jack Guez/Getty Images)

That reluctance may have something to do with fears of working with far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gwir, who is poised to play a key role in Netanyahu’s new government.

UN commission votes for Israel to dismantle nuclear weapons and allow international inspectors

Two officials told Axios this week that they were “unlikely” to get involved with Ben Gubir, whom the Biden administration calls a “Jewish supremacist.” Ben-Gvir has said he wants to become Minister of Internal Security, in charge of police and policy around the Holy Land in Jerusalem.

Itamar Bengavir (left) and Bezalel Smotrici attend a rally with their supporters in the southern Israeli city of Sderot on October 26, 2022.
(GIL Cohen-Magen/AFP via Getty Images)

Joel Rubin, who served as assistant secretary of state under President Barack Obama, recently told Fox News Digital that the “likely composition” of the next Israeli government “presents some tough challenges for America’s national security.” said to present the

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The Biden administration will be challenged to navigate this space that will require close coordination with Netanyahu himself, who seeks to manage a challenging coalition for Israeli-Arab relations,” Rubin said. said.