Biden's unwavering support for 'Israel': Due political price mounting
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Noticeable distinctions are becoming evident between "Israel" and the US concerning the post-war situation in Gaza and the distant aspiration of a Palestinian state.
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Israeli occupation’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hugs US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at “Tel Aviv” on October 18, 2023. (AP)
Joe Biden exhibited unprecedented support for "Israel" in the aftermath of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. However, over two months later, tensions between the White House and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have escalated, particularly due to extensive Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulting in 18,787 martyrs and 50,897 injuries.
Biden openly criticized "Israel", accusing it of "indiscriminate bombing" in a recent off-camera political event. This marked departure from typical diplomatic language has contributed to the widening diplomatic rift between the two entities. Additionally, a new US intelligence assessment reported by CNN revealed that nearly half of the air-to-ground munitions utilized by "Israel" in Gaza were unguided "dumb bombs".
Biden-Netanyahu rift: Public display of tensions
This is the take offered by CNN's senior reporter Stephen Collinson who argued that the major geopolitical concern regarding the aggression on Gaza is not whether "Israel" will face international isolation, as that has already occurred. Rather, the key question is whether the unwavering support from the White House for the military operation could lead the United States to become alienated from its allies, potentially jeopardizing broader national security objectives.
"And the unrelenting toll on Palestinians is also increasing the political price that Biden is paying at home for his backing of Israel — and raising doubts about his capacity to invigorate his political coalition ahead of the 2024 election," Collinson said.
In his view, Biden's vulnerability regarding the 18,787 Palestinians killed became apparent in two notable instances on Tuesday, showcasing his diminishing patience with "Israel". During an off-camera fundraiser, the President cautioned that "Israel" was experiencing a decline in international support due to "indiscriminate bombing". Biden further remarked that "Israel's" right-wing coalition government was creating significant challenges, emphasizing the need to ensure that Prime Minister Netanyahu comprehends the necessity for strategic actions.
“We have to make sure that Bibi (Netanyahu) understands that he’s got to make some moves.”
Against this delicate backdrop, Jake Sullivan, Biden's National Security Advisor, is scheduled to visit "Israel" on Thursday. During the visit, Sullivan will engage with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other crucial officials, coming after President Biden issued unusually candid criticisms of the right-wing Israeli coalition.
The gist of Collinson's argument is that noticeable distinctions are becoming evident between the two governments concerning the post-war situation in Gaza and the distant aspiration of a Palestinian state.
The unexpected political consequences in the United States
While the aggression has resulted in a devastating human cost in Gaza, it has also led to unexpected political consequences in the United States, the senior reporter added.
The devastation in Gaza has stirred resentment among Arab American voters, a pivotal demographic for Democrats in crucial battleground states such as Michigan, where Biden's approval ratings are facing challenges, as per the analysis.
The backing of "Israel" by Washington now poses a potential risk to its global leadership.
Biden's political cost will continue to mount
In a highly symbolic gesture on Tuesday, three of the United States's closest allies—Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—deviated from Washington's position and called for immediate endeavors to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.
The publicized disagreements between Biden and Netanyahu raise questions about whether mounting domestic and international pressure will influence Biden's stance on "Israel", as per the analysis.
Despite his growing frustration, President Biden remains staunchly pro-"Israel", and it would be a considerable surprise if he translates his rhetorical criticisms of Netanyahu into concrete pressure, it stressed.
While one potential avenue could involve supporting conditions on a $14 billion aid package to "Israel", officials have indicated that the administration currently has no such plans, despite increasing calls from Democratic lawmakers and human rights organizations to halt weapons supply unless "Israel takes greater steps to protect civilians in Gaza."
Moreover, the aid measure is entangled in contentious clashes between the White House and far-right Republicans, making it unlikely to pass Congress in its current form.
As such, it is clear that the political cost Biden is paying will continue to mount.
