From Unity to Discord: The Political Tightrope of Biden's Israel-Hamas Strategy

 

Gaza devastation by Israel

Amidst the relentless Israeli bombardment pushing Gaza to the edge of a dire humanitarian crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden is facing minimal pressure domestically to curb Israel's military retaliation against an unprecedented attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.

For now, Biden seems to have granted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considerable autonomy to continue his offensive against Hamas. However, the looming threat of a ground invasion, which could result in a higher civilian death toll, might compel the president to reconsider this stance.

While Biden staunchly affirms unwavering support for Israel, he has encountered sporadic dissent from the left wing of the Democratic Party regarding his acceptance of Israel's severe crackdown in the densely populated Gaza Strip. Prominent Democrats have effectively contained intra-party opposition, aiming to project unity, despite some progressive voices urging Israel to exercise restraint to prevent significant civilian casualties during its conflict with Hamas.

Internationally, there has been a mounting outcry, but Biden's allies are cautious about giving Republicans an opportunity to accuse him of undermining the military response of the U.S. ally, Israel. Such accusations could pose a political threat as he approaches re-election in 2024.

Republicans have largely rallied behind any military action Israel chooses to take, especially after the deadliest attack on Israeli soil in decades, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and numerous abductions, including Americans, into Gaza.

Graphic images and harrowing accounts of atrocities committed by Hamas militants as they rampaged through Israeli towns have limited criticism of Israel and Biden's approach primarily to a specific segment of the American left. However, with Israeli airstrikes claiming more than 1,000 lives in Gaza and the prospect of a ground invasion looming, these dissenting voices could intensify in the days ahead.

While Democratic leaders condemn Hamas and pledge support for Israel, some have subtly emphasized the importance of Israel adhering to the laws of war. U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat, stated, "We stand by Israel and provide them with what they need to defend themselves," but emphasized the necessity of safeguarding Palestinian lives amid the conflict with Hamas, who often use ordinary Palestinians as human shields.

Despite these tensions within the Democratic Party, overall public sentiment in the United States still heavily favors Israel. Nevertheless, recent polls indicate that Democrats are slightly more sympathetic toward the Palestinians than Israel.

Biden, a long-time friend of Israel, has promised unequivocal assistance to the country. He has refrained from explicitly urging Israel to restrain its response, a departure from the typical statements made by previous administrations during similar crises.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken came closest to such an appeal during his visit to Israel when he expressed hope that Israel, as a democracy, would take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians. Israeli officials maintain that they make efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

While Biden has had private discussions with Israeli counterparts expressing concerns, his administration acknowledges the need for Israeli assertiveness, especially in the early stages of the conflict.

Since the Saturday attack, Israel has placed Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, under total siege and launched a devastating bombing campaign that has razed entire neighborhoods.

Biden, who initially kept the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at arm's length, now finds himself thrust into a significant Middle East conflagration. Striving to avoid alienating pro-Israel voters ahead of the upcoming election, he faces a delicate balance. The powerful pro-Israel lobby, led by AIPAC, wields substantial influence in U.S. politics and has historically supported Netanyahu, leading Biden into a tenuous wartime alliance.

While Biden garners praise for his steadfast support for Israel, the crisis has also drawn criticism for not giving sufficient attention to the plight of Palestinians, whose aspirations for statehood have dimmed under Israeli occupation.

Khaled Elgindy, a former Palestinian negotiations adviser now at the Middle East Institute in Washington, criticizes the administration's approach, stating, “Their guiding philosophy on this issue has been, for the past three years, to do as little as possible.” Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the liberal advocacy group J Street, echoes these sentiments, asserting that the administration's efforts in addressing Palestinians' needs have been insufficient, lacking a broader vision to tackle the underlying conflict, which has now erupted in unimaginable horror.

Post a Comment

أحدث أقدم