Biden's Unwavering Support for Israel: An Analytical Perspective
Unveiling the Enigma: Unraveling Biden's Unwavering Support for Israel amidst Political Turmoil Explore the compelling reasons behind Biden's resolute backing of Israel, even when faced with potential political consequences Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter
President Joe Biden reassured the people of Israel that they will never be left alone as long as the United States remains standing. This commitment has been reiterated by Biden numerous times since the tragic attack on October 7, where Hamas terrorists killed over 1,400 individuals in Israel and held over 200 hostage in the Gaza Strip.
Frida Ghitis
Biden visited Tel Aviv last month, shortly after the conflict began, to provide assurance to Israelis that the United States, the most influential nation, supports them. He reportedly addressed Israel's war cabinet, stating that being a Zionist does not require being Jewish, and he personally identifies as a Zionist.
The president's firm support for Israel, accompanied by a growing insistence on Israel's responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians during its counteroffensive, has had negative political consequences at a critical moment. This stance has stirred frustration among progressive Democrats, as well as Muslim and Arab Americans, just a year before the 2024 presidential election.
It is evident that Biden's motivations are not driven by calculated political gain, unlike some other politicians who might prioritize their own interests. If that were the case, he would navigate carefully to maintain the coalition that propelled him to power. Instead, Biden's actions are driven by a conviction that goes beyond electoral considerations.
What drives Biden's unwavering support for Israel? Two strong internal forces are at play.
Firstly, there's his deep understanding of Jewish history and the vital importance of a Jewish state in combating centuries of antisemitism. Secondly, his worldview, which compelled him to seek office and continues to guide his presidency, acknowledges that the world is facing a critical juncture - one that could lead to catastrophic consequences. Powerful entities are posing a threat to the established international norms that have been carefully developed since World War II, norms that have facilitated global peace and the advancement of democracy.
Crowds on the tarmac at Makhachkala Uytash Airport (MCX) in the southern Russian Republic of Dagestan on Sunday, October 29.
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Biden reiterated this point recently during a press conference alongside the president of Chile. He stated that there are moments, occurring approximately every six to eight generations, where the world undergoes rapid changes. According to him, we are currently experiencing one of these transformative times. Biden emphasized that the events unfolding in the next two to three years will shape the world's trajectory for the following five to six decades. These events involve various issues both domestically and internationally, such as the potential for another Trump presidency, the conflict in Ukraine, the ongoing war and escalating violence in the Middle East, and the underlying tension between China and its neighboring countries.
Biden recognizes the strategic, historic, moral, and emotional significance of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, an Iran-backed terrorist group committed to Israel's destruction. However, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing self-determination for the Palestinians, a stance he has consistently reiterated.
Biden has acquired knowledge of Jewish history from his father since childhood. He has shared anecdotes of his father's remarks during dinner, highlighting the world's passive response to Hitler's rise in the 1930s, which resulted in the genocide of 6 million Jews and a global catastrophe. Biden has made frequent visits to the Dachau death camp, including a recent trip with his granddaughter, where he personally entered the gas chamber where countless Jews were poisoned to death by the Nazis.
Upon witnessing the brutal attack by Hamas and the horrifying recordings of their torture and murder of innocent people, Biden recognized the connection between Jewish history and this atrocity, which stands as the most devastating massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
Even as he stands four-square with Israel, Biden is insisting that the war must be followed by the pursuit of self-determination for Palestinians, a point he has also made repeatedly.
Frida Ghitis
In a powerful address on October 10, he proclaimed, "There are certain instances in life...when unspeakable wickedness is unleashed upon our world." The devastation, he expressed, "exposed the deep-rooted history of hatred towards the Jewish community and the horrific acts of genocide that they have endured."
Renowned former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, hailed the speech as "the most ardently pro-Israel statement ever delivered."
Biden's understanding extended beyond just the present age; he recognized the prominent patterns of recent years. The surge of extremism, driven by autocratic and antidemocratic elements, caught his attention. This very phenomenon compelled him to enter the presidential race in 2019. Reflecting on the sight of white supremacist neo-Nazis marching in Charlottesville, Virginia, with veins bulging and spewing racist ideologies, Biden drew parallels to the same venomous anti-Semitic sentiments witnessed in 1930s Europe. This incident urged him to partake in the race. During his presidency, Biden has been driven by the purpose of countering these forces, believing that we are at a crucial turning point in history. He endeavors to reconstruct alliances, boldly confront aggressive and expansionist autocrats, and assure America's allies that the United States will support them unwaveringly.
While some perceive the conflict as merely between Israel and Hamas, Biden recognizes a broader perspective.
According to him, the conflicts initiated by President Vladimir Putin of Russia against Ukraine and by Hamas against Israel may differ in nature, but they share significant similarities. Notably, both Hamas and Russia receive backing from Iran and harbor a desire to eradicate a democratic neighboring state.
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At this critical juncture in history, the president perceives an essential role for the United States. "Experience has shown us that when terrorists are not held accountable for their acts of terror, and when dictators face no consequences for their aggressive actions, it leads to increased turmoil, loss of life, and devastation."
He views Putin's Russia, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and other groups as destabilizing elements that reject their neighbors and incite conflicts. By defeating these groups, the US can assist in constructing a more stable Middle East, characterized by reduced anger, grievances, and warfare.
To accomplish this, it is both likely and beneficial for Biden to convey to the Israelis that their responsibilities extend beyond defeating terrorist organizations within the confines of international law. For their own security and to achieve progress towards Biden's longstanding goals, he must encourage Israel to engage with Palestinians who are pursuing peace and coexistence, and actively work towards resolving the conflict.
The past has witnessed a vexing search, emboldening those who oppose. However, it continues to be a vital endeavor. Having a US president who has demonstrated a profound comprehension of Israel's situation and an innate understanding of the necessity of a Jewish homeland, it is imperative for Israelis to pay heed to Biden's counsel.
