Biden Faces Political Fallout as White House and Netanyahu Strain Ties over Israel
Amidst escalating tensions, Biden's unwavering support for Israel during the aftermath of Hamas attacks showcases an unparalleled commitment, solidifying a unique bond between the White House and Netanyahu
Joe Biden's support for Israel has been unprecedented, especially in the aftermath of the Hamas attacks on October 7. However, tensions have escalated between the White House and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government following Israeli strikes in Gaza that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians. During a recent off-camera political event, Biden accused Israel of conducting "indiscriminate" bombing, using strong language that typically elicits pushback from Israeli leaders. While Israel maintains that they try to spare civilians, they accuse Hamas of using innocent Palestinians as cover.
The lingering question on the war in Gaza is not if Israel will be internationally isolated - that has already occurred. The real concern is if the White House's unwavering support for the operation will also result in the United States drifting apart from its allies, potentially jeopardizing broader national security objectives. Additionally, the ongoing hardship endured by Palestinians is amplifying the domestic backlash against Biden's endorsement of Israel, casting doubt on his ability to rally his political base for the 2024 election.
The delicate backdrop of Jake Sullivan's trip to Israel on Thursday includes direct criticisms of the Israeli coalition by President Biden. Sullivan, the national security adviser, will meet with Netanyahu and other key officials, and plans to address aid flowing into Gaza and the "next phase of the military campaign." According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Sullivan will also discuss efforts to be more precise and reduce harm to civilians in coordination with Israeli officials.
Kirby emphasized that achieving the intended results is crucial, noting that both American and Israeli officials share this goal. Sullivan's recent visit implies that the US government believes Israel did not sufficiently consider warnings from Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the protection of civilians during its recent operations in Gaza. This visit also presents a contrast to President Biden's visit to Israel in October, during which he acknowledged Israelis' pain and anger, but also cautioned against repeating the mistakes made by the US after the September 11 attacks. Biden further cautioned that if Israel does not address the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, it will face harsh judgment from the international community.
The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 18,412 Palestinians had been killed as of Tuesday, but CNN cannot verify this number independently. There were also reports of 1,200 Israelis killed in the Hamas attacks, which included the use of rape as a weapon of war, resulting in horrific scenes.
On Tuesday, two significant moments exposed Biden's political stance on the issue, revealing his diminishing patience with Israel. In an off-camera fundraiser, the president warned that Israel was losing international support due to "indiscriminate bombing." He also expressed frustration with Israels right-wing coalition government, stating that they were "making it very difficult" and urging Netanyahu to take action.
There are clear discrepancies emerging between the two governments regarding the immediate future of Gaza following the war and the long-term goal of establishing a Palestinian state.
The war has resulted in a devastating human cost, while also leading to unexpected political repercussions in the United States. It has sparked a new surge in antisemitism and revealed ambiguity regarding discrimination against Jews, even among certain progressives and within Ivy League universities in the liberal America. There has been frustration over the devastation in Gaza among Arab American voters, a crucial demographic for Democrats in a pivotal battleground state like Michigan, where Biden's approval ratings are declining.
Washington's support for Israel is putting its global leadership at risk. This became evident on Tuesday when Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, three of the US's closest allies, broke ranks to call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza. The prime ministers of these nations emphasized that the continued suffering of Palestinian civilians cannot be the cost of defeating Hamas. This issue has created a rare division in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes the US and the UK. Even the UK, known for aligning its foreign policy with the US, abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire that the US vetoed.
The White House has taken notice of the significant diplomatic maneuvers. "The president's acknowledgment of global opinion reflects its importance. Our support for Israel remains strong, but we have expressed concerns about the conduct of the military campaign, even though it was initiated and continued by Hamas," Kirby stated.
What impact will the growing pressure on Biden from both domestic and international sources have on his stance toward Israel?
Despite his mounting frustration, the president remains staunchly pro-Israel and it would be unexpected for him to go beyond verbal criticism of Netanyahu by implementing tangible pressure. One potential option could involve placing conditions on the $14 billion aid package to Israel, although current reports indicate that the administration has no immediate plans to do so, despite increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers and human rights groups to cease providing weapons unless Israel takes more steps to safeguard civilians in Gaza.
The aid measure is currently stalled due to conflicts between the White House and far-right Republicans. Additionally, Israel views its actions in Gaza as vital for the survival of the Jewish people, and is willing to prioritize its security by any means necessary. It remains uncertain whether Biden or any other external force could intervene in this situation. However, the political consequences for Biden are expected to increase.
