Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was infuriated and delayed a delegation to discuss US concerns over Rafah.

Despite this, President Joe Biden has stated he will not use military assistance as leverage against Israel.

Annelle Sheline, a former State Department employee, criticized the administration's actions as "PR stunts" rather than substantial shifts in policy.

A US official expressed hope that the US may be starting to change its approach towards Israeli military operations in Gaza, but noted that she has not seen any concrete action such as ending or withdrawing support.

Michael Singh, a former top White House aide on Middle East affairs, explained that President Biden's vote against a UN resolution on the conflict was due to both domestic politics and pressure from US allies.

Singh noted that the resolution itself does not significantly impact Israel's ability to prosecute the conflict, while arms restrictions would come with greater strategic and political costs.

Israel has been conducting a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, which was the deadliest in Israel's history.

The US has warned Israel against attacking Rafah, a city in Gaza housing over 1.4 million Palestinians, but Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to proceed despite a direct appeal from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

US officials plan to present alternatives to Israel that focus on targeting Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties.

Stephen Wertheim, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, believes military operations are imminent and the US is trying to limit the damage.

The delay in action is harmful to both the US and Israel as international pressure builds, according to Singh.

The Middle East Research and Information Project's executive director, James Ryan, commented that the US bears some responsibility for the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent American Jew and supporter of Israel, criticized Netanyahu's conduct of the war and called for new elections.

A Gallup poll revealed that only 36% of Americans approve of Israel's actions, down from 50% in November.

President Biden, a longtime supporter of Israel, is facing pressure from the left of his Democratic Party regarding the situation in Gaza.

Netanyahu, who is also fighting for his political survival as the leader of a far-right coalition, has historically aligned himself with the Republican Party and clashed with three Democratic presidents.

The text discusses the political dynamics between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Wertheim, a political analyst, both leaders benefit from some tension between them.

Netanyahu may use his ability to stand up to the Americans as a campaign issue in upcoming elections, while Biden aims to demonstrate his opposition to Israeli "brutality" without imposing significant consequences, such as restricting weapons.

Wertheim characterizes this as political theater that serves the leaders' interests.