Behind Closed Doors

Biden's strained relationship with Netanyahu. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( February 13, 2024 Good morning. In international news, we’re exploring the tensions between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Then, we’ve got the details of [King Charles’ first public appearance]( since his cancer diagnosis was revealed. Later on, we’ll continue relationship bootcamp with [a compelling case for sleeping in separate beds]( and share [a Valentine’s Day gift idea]( that will make you a holiday hero. Plus, we’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to our newsletter lineup: Ripple Effect, a biweekly dispatch about the wonders of nature and how to protect them. [Sign up right here]( — and as always, thanks for waking up with us!   In the News [President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]( Getty Images Behind Closed Doors As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, reports have surfaced that President Biden’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is becoming strained. Here’s a closer look. The details: While the two leaders remain publicly supportive, Biden has privately said Netanyahu has been “giving him hell” as the White House tries to broker a ceasefire with Hamas, per NBC. He has also vented about Netanyahu’s reluctance to pursue a long-term peace agreement and the death toll in Gaza, which has hit at least 28,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The bigger picture: This frustration comes as Israel plans a ground assault on the Southern Gaza city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are sheltering. On Sunday, Biden reportedly told Netanyahu that he shouldn’t proceed “without a credible and executable plan” to protect civilians there. The next step: Biden hasn’t made any policy shifts so far, but two unnamed sources told NBC that his administration is considering delaying or slowing the sale of U.S. weapons to Israel. Biden also met with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House amid ongoing talks to help free hostages in Gaza.   More Stories [Delivery guy with plastic bags over his hands cycles through New York snow]( Getty images Weather: A storm is pounding parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, prompting school closures. It's set to be the biggest snowstorm in two years in NY — with the heaviest snow due to hit around rush hour, and the potential for thundersnow as well. (While this storm is already underway, it got us thinking about [what you’d need to have at home]( in case there’s a next time.) Politics: Donald Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court to block an appeals court decision that eviscerates his claim of presidential immunity. The filing says a criminal trial will "radically disrupt" his ability to campaign against President Biden. Meanwhile, Trump's comments encouraging attacks on "delinquent" NATO members have split the GOP — and offered a distraction from [questions surrounding Biden's age](. Gun violence: The shooter who opened fire at a Houston church on Sunday has been identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno. Her son, who was shot during the standoff with law enforcement, is in critical condition. One person is dead and five are injured after a subway shooting in the Bronx yesterday. Bodycam footage has revealed that Houston deputies repeatedly fired at a woman after mistaking her for an intruder at her friend's home earlier this month. Health: A new study shows that one in 10 people who have Covid while they're pregnant develop [long-term symptoms]( — less, it seems, than the general population. This could be because pregnant people tend to be younger, healthier, and have a different immune response. Meanwhile, maternal syphilis rates have tripled since 2016, raising the infection risk for newborns.   Must-Reads [King Charles]( Out and About King Charles made his first public appearance since Buckingham Palace revealed his cancer diagnosis. Here's the latest on his condition. [Read More »]( [white and red pills moving through digestive tract]( Gut Check A big side effect of being too reliant on antibiotics is a damaged gut microbiome. We explain what that means and how to protect yours. [Read More »]( [Couple sleeping in separate beds]( Between the Sheets Sleeping apart is often seen as a sign a relationship's in peril — but it could actually save a union. Check out the benefits of separate beds. [Read More »](   Coming Soon [Make your inbox a greener place. Subscribe now to Ripple Effect for climate-friendly conversations and inspiring innovations.]( KCM Katie Couric Media just keeps getting bigger! Later this month, we're launching a brand-new environmental newsletter called Ripple Effect, featuring thought-provoking climate research, advice about living a greener life, and regular dispatches from our friends Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, noted nature photographers and co-founders of the nonprofit SeaLegacy. [Subscribe for free right here]( to join the mission! [SIGN UP NOW](   Behind the Scenes [The History of Curb Your Enthusiasm with Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman]( iHeart Media Calling all fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm! If you can't get enough of Larry David's iconic HBO comedy, you simply must check out [this hilarious podcast]( hosted by Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman. The on-screen couple we all love are joined by cast, crew, and superfans to break down every single episode of this beloved show, and you don't want to miss a minute. [LISTEN HERE]( [Supported by iHeart Podcasts](   Legacy of Luxury The iconic parfumerie Bond No. 9 is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a [brand-new scent,]([New York Forever](. It has delicate whiffs of cinnamon bark and honeyed amber — and it's all packaged in a stunning bottle. [Bond NYC perfume]( [SHOP HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community. If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. Katie Couric Media, 75 Varick St, Ste 12, New York, NY - 10013-1917 Copyright © 2023 Katie Couric Media, All rights reserved.