Dems pressure Biden to influence Israeli policy amid Gaza genocide
3 Min Read
While the White House supports a temporary ceasefire, the Israeli leadership has opposed it, setting the stage for a political clash.
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President Joe Biden speaks at Just-In-Time Recreation Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
A report by Politico revealed on Saturday that so-called Progressive lawmakers in the US have been pressuring the Biden administration to use its influence to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza resulting from Israeli strikes.
While the White House supports only a temporary ceasefire, the Israeli leadership has opposed it, setting the stage for a political clash.
Congress is considering a funding request, including over $14.3 billion for "Israel", as part of a national security supplemental package.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are demanding that "Israel" publicly share plans for civilian safety and humanitarian issues before finalizing additional aid.
Read more: White House to reduce Ukraine aid packages due to funding cuts
These demands are part of a 'growing chorus' of Democrats who have grown more wary of the scale of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and have been calling for a ceasefire to allow civilians to leave.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected these calls, saying that a ceasefire would constitute a form of surrender to Hamas.
This dispute intensifies the tension between a crucial ally of the US and progressive pressure over humanitarian concerns.
Many hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women, and children in Gaza today are on the brink. This is a dire humanitarian crisis and it's getting worse by the minute.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 2, 2023
Congress must take action.
The Biden Administration must take action.
The world must take action. pic.twitter.com/mYRlIalahG
According to a letter written by Progressives to President Biden, namely Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). Along with Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), "the Biden administration has to make certain that the needs of the civilians are being protected. They have a lot of influence over the war plan."
"The war plan that Israel has clearly doesn’t take into account the civilian casualties and what’s very worrisome about that is two things — one, civilian deaths, but two, it’s a bad plan. We’ve seen in the past that it just creates more opposition."
According to Merkley, the administration is pushing daily for changes in Israeli conduct, emphasizing minimizing civilian casualties and ensuring access to basic necessities.
Democrats face challenges in attaching conditions to the aid package, as this may not gain sufficient support, the report says.
They navigate the delicate balance of supporting an ally while addressing the moral implications of the ongoing genocide and its humanitarian impact.
Read more: Leftist Democrats invoke human rights law in scrutiny of 'Israel'
It is worth noting that as the call for a change in Israeli policy was issued, several activists had gathered near Merkley's office, demanding that he call for a ceasefire.
Today me & several Oregon voters (including Jewish activists) tried to speak to @SenJeffMerkley & @RepBonamici re Gaza genocide at an event. They didn’t show. So we went to Merkley’s office. He hid inside for hours, then sent staff home & called cops. 1 arrest.
— Abby Martin (@AbbyMartin) November 3, 2023
Happening now: “We are here to demand that Senator Merkley introduce a resolution calling for an unconditional #ceasefire in #Gaza. We will not leave until we speak with @senjeffmerkley” @USCPR_ @DSA_Palestine @jvplive @IfNotNowOrg pic.twitter.com/LKgv6VtMM1
— Sarah DH (@sdavidh) November 3, 2023
