S2 E15. Sundays with Ya’akov: Biden, Bibi and Qatar Having a Come to Jesus Moment

Following his State of the Union address on Thursday night, President Biden was caught on a hot mike saying that he’s due for a “come to Jesus” meeting with PM Netanyahu, expressing his exasperation with the man. Both men are trying to find a way through this war and their impossible political conundrums but the status quo is not going to hold much longer. Biden feels enormous pressure to expand the humanitarian aid corridor and flow of supplies to the Gaza Strip. He also makes it clear to Bibi that an assault on Rafah, which would result in further civilian casualties, is a non-starter. Netanyahu, of course, intends to show Biden who is boss and will not be pushed around by his American benefactor. All of which makes for a tense standoff that may prompt the President to pop over to see the Prime Minister in the coming days. Meanwhile, Qatar threatens to throw out the Hamas leaders it hosts in Doha if they do not manage to negotiate a deal to release the Israeli hostages, now in captivity for 156 days. It is believed that many of the 134 remaining hostages are no longer alive but Hamas refuses to confirm, deny or provide signs of life. There is also clearly friction between Hamas leaders, with Gaza-based October 7th mastermind, Yahya Sinwar, entrenched in the tunnels and determined to go it alone and buck the pressure. He wants to bring the mighty IDF to its knees. Have a listen.

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