The New York Times revealed last night that US Deputy National Security Advisor John Feiner confirmed that he has no confidence in the current Israeli government regarding intentions to take steps aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.

The newspaper reported that it quoted Viner's assertion from a recording of a meeting he had with Arab-American leaders in the city of Dearborn in the US state of Michigan, during his visit last Thursday to this city, which includes a large Arab-American community. Feiner visited the city, accompanied by other officials in the administration of President Joe Biden, including the former ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, to support the president’s efforts to win a second term in the 2024 elections before an electoral district that is considered decisive, but which is angry with him because of his support for Israel during its war with the Hamas movement. In the Gaza Strip.

Michigan is a crucial state in the US presidential elections that will be held in November 2024. Arab Americans constitute about 2% of the state’s population. Dearborn, which has the highest percentage of Arab-American residents in the United States per capita, is represented in Congress by Representative Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American elected to this position, and she was at the forefront of those calling for a ceasefire in the Democratic Party.

According to the newspaper, Viner spoke to attendees during the meeting about the Biden administration’s efforts to end the war in Gaza and build diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which he said was a necessary step towards establishing a Palestinian state, and would require concessions from all parties.

The newspaper quoted Viner as saying: “We will have to do things to Saudi Arabia that will not be very popular in this country and in Congress. Will Israel be prepared to do the difficult thing required of it, which is meaningful steps for the Palestinians regarding the two-state issue? I do not know if the answer is "That is yes. I have no confidence in the current Israeli government."

Weiner also described some unnamed Israeli officials as abhorrent, and said the administration in Washington should have taken a stronger stance against those who likened Gaza Strip residents to animals.

“I have to say that out of our desire to focus more on solving the problem and not engage in rhetorical debate with people that I think we find, in many cases, to be somewhat obnoxious, we haven't communicated enough that we completely reject that kind of thing,” Feiner said. Of opinions and we do not agree with him.”

Viner also expressed his regret over mistakes made by the Biden administration in its handling of the war, especially regarding what is perceived as a lack of concern about civilian casualties, as the administration refused to support calls for a ceasefire.

“We are fully aware that we have made mistakes in dealing with this crisis since last October 7, and we have left a very harmful impression due to the failure of the president, the administration, and the country to attach the required value to the lives of Palestinians,” Viner said. He expressed his regret that Biden's speech on the occasion of the 100th day of the war did not mention the Palestinians who were killed in Gaza, and said: “There is no justification for that, and it should not have happened, and I believe it will not happen again. But we know that it caused a lot of damage.” "

Weiner declined the New York Times' request to comment on the report.

The Associated Press later said the White House National Security Council spokesman's office confirmed the veracity of the statements in the report, but sought to downplay their significance, saying the president and Viner were commenting on concerns the United States has had for some time. As the Israeli war continues, the loss of Palestinian lives and the need to limit harm to civilians will continue.