by Signs of tension between the United States and Israel
No other episode in the last half century has tested ties between the United States and Israel as significantly as the current war in Gaza. President Biden’s initial decision to support Israel has given way to frustrating phone calls, sharp public comments and grueling marathon meetings as the relationship has become strained.
Time and again, Biden and his team have intervened to steer Israel away from what they see as the excesses of its retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, only to be challenged by the Israelis at critical moments. Among Democrats, resistance to Biden’s support for Israel is growing and the United States has found itself at odds with other countries at the UN.
Friction appears to be coming to a head as the new year arrives and the death toll in Gaza rises, although there is no serious discussion within the administration about a significant change in policy, such as cutting off weapons supplies to Israel. Talks between Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are increasingly tense.
Whats Next: The most acute dispute between Washington and Jerusalem has centered on what to do in Gaza once the war ends. Netanyahu has resisted suggestions that a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, would lead a post-Hamas Gaza, which would eventually be followed by the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Analysis: Within Israel, there is almost universal support for tougher measures against Hamas and little concern about the possible consequences.
In other war news:
Despite his decline in popularity, Netanyahu has made clear that he has no intention of resigning once the war ends.
Defying American pressure, Israeli forces deepened their intervention in Gaza. Some 165 people died in a 24-hour period, Palestinian health officials said Saturday.
US helicopters sank three Houthi ships in the Red Sea after coming under attack, killing all crew members, the Pentagon said.
Ukraine intensifies its subterfuge
With neither Russia nor Ukraine making substantial progress on their war front, Ukraine has been resorting to guerrilla tactics, including sabotage, assassinations, and attacks on Russian trains and tunnels.
Russia is using similar tactics. Last month, 14 people were convicted in Poland on charges of sabotage at the direction of Russian intelligence, Polish officials said. Russia’s main targets were trains carrying military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, officials said.
Queen Margaret to resign
Queen Margaret II of Denmark, Europe’s longest-serving monarch, announced in her New Year’s speech that she would abdicate her throne on January 14 after more than half a century. Her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, will succeed her.
Margrethe, 83, said her age and health influenced her decision. “Such a long time does not go unnoticed by anyone, not even me,” she said. “Time passes and the ailments increase.”
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Life-changing resolutions
The Times asked readers if they had ever made New Year’s resolutions that changed their lives. Here are some of our favorites, lightly edited and condensed. Read the full list here.
Every night, a calendar pop-up window reminds me to record a “joy note,” and I enter one or more things that brought me joy during the day. By the end of 2023, I will have 365 or more reminders of things that brought me joy. No one else will see my notes, but I will always have them as a record for inspiration. — Denise Abboud, Cleveland
In January 2023, I decided to only buy second-hand clothes (except for basics like underwear) as my small attempt to help the planet. Almost a year later and I haven’t bought anything new. I’ve discovered a new world of second-hand stores and apps, and even the joy of shopping in my closet. — Claudia Rosani, Milton Keynes, England
During the darkest period of my 60s, I decided to try everything new that was offered to me. Some were failures, but each one taught me something or made the next new thing easier. Now, two years later, my life is very different. I accepted jobs abroad. I made new deep friendships outside of my typical circle. I met a couple who I plan to marry. I am invigorated again. I would never have imagined these results. — Paul Murdoch, Jacksonville, Oregon.
