Biden Administration Receives Private Warning from American Diplomats on Mounting Anti-US Sentiment in the Arab World

American diplomats in the Arab world have warned the Biden administration that their unwavering backing of Israel's aggressive and lethal military offensive in Gaza is alienating Arab public opinion for years to come. A diplomatic cable obtained by CNN reveals the urgent nature of this concern among American officials, who are deeply troubled by the rising resentment towards the United States following Israel's retaliatory strikes against Hamas in response to the group's attacks in Israel, which tragically claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis on October 7.

The US Embassy in Oman has expressed concern about the ongoing messaging battlespace, stating that there is a significant loss on our part. According to the embassy, various reliable sources have indicated that the strong support rendered by the US to Israel's actions is perceived as both a moral and material responsibility for potential war crimes.

The cable from the embassy was drafted by the second-ranking US representative in Muscat and transmitted to various recipients, including the White House National Security Council, the CIA, and the FBI. Although it is just a single cable from a local embassy, it offers an exclusive glimpse into the concern regarding the escalating anti-US sentiment spreading across the Middle East.

CNN has also obtained another cable from the US embassy in Cairo, which reports the comments made in a government-controlled Egyptian newspaper. The commentary asserts that "President Biden's treatment of Palestinians surpasses that of all previous US presidents in terms of cruelty and indifference."

CNN has contacted the State Department for a response.

President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure from both within the country and from overseas regarding US backing of Israel, particularly in light of the devastating images of destruction in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation in the area. While the administration has declined to heed calls for a cease-fire, officials have focused on increasing aid to Gaza and advocating for temporary pauses in fighting to facilitate the delivery of more assistance to the region and the safe evacuation of civilians.

US allies in the Arab world have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in a summit organized by the Jordanian foreign minister, which was attended by high-ranking diplomats from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization also attended the summit.

At the summit, Arab leaders urged for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, while Blinken reaffirmed US opposition, stating it could grant Hamas the opportunity to regroup and launch another assault on Israel.

On Thursday, the White House announced that Israel had agreed to implement daily four-hour breaks in military operations within specific regions of Northern Gaza.

US officials informed CNN that despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public opposition to the idea of humanitarian pauses after Blinken's meetings in Israel last week, there was a general agreement in principle. This move was perceived as Netanyahu appealing to his coalition, and officials pointed out a resemblance to when the Israeli government initially objected to humanitarian aid reaching Gaza before eventually permitting it. This agreement is viewed as progress by American officials, as Israel is now using the term "pauses," which the US believes can serve as a foundation for further development.

Concerns within the administration regarding US support for Israel have intensified.

According to CNN's earlier report, certain high-ranking officials have expressed privately that they are unable to support certain aspects of Israel's military actions. There is a growing demand among government employees for the US to support a ceasefire, and the continuous images of Palestinian civilians being killed by Israeli airstrikes have distressed others.

Biden has faced mounting frustration on the domestic front.

During a recent private fundraiser, the president was challenged by a protester demanding a ceasefire. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have become a regular sight near the White House compound. Additionally, this week, the entrance close to the West Wing was adorned with vivid red handprints, symbolizing blood, and graffiti reading "genocide Joe."