Joe Biden’s tone on Israel has been hardening in recent days, but when he called the country’s response in the Gaza Strip “over the top” this week, the US president crossed into new territory, AFP reports.

The comments made Thursday were the strongest by the US leader since Israel launched its barrage on Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attacks — leaving the White House quietly scrambling to temper their effect.

The episode reflects the growing divide between the Democratic president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government which includes far-right ministers.

Observers agree the shift in tone is not likely to impact the billions of dollars in military aid that the United States is accustomed to sending to Israel — a new and tenuous $14 billion package is, for example, currently under consideration in the divided US Congress.

In Washington, US officials said they had not seen any preparations suggesting imminent or “major operations,” while warning that such an offensive could spark a disastrous scenario similar to that which has already unfolded in the north.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed on Friday that Biden’s “position hasn’t changed”.