Evolution in US Stance on Israel: Blinken Responds to Mounting Pressure at Home and Abroad
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's acknowledgment of civilian casualties in Gaza reflects a significant change in American rhetoric towards Israel amid mounting pressure domestically and internationally
On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his concern over the number of civilian casualties in Gaza. This represents a significant change in the language used by the US government when referring to the Israeli government.
In the past few weeks, the Biden administration has consistently supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military actions in response to a brutal attack by Hamas. However, the growing death toll in Gaza, widespread pro-Palestinian protests worldwide, and mounting unease within the White House have put significant pressure on the US stance.
"There have been an excessive number of Palestinian casualties. The toll of suffering endured by many during these recent weeks is overwhelming," expressed the highest-ranking American diplomat in New Delhi. "Our utmost priority is to avert any further harm and ensure that aid reaches them in the greatest possible measure."
"With this aim in mind, we will persist in engaging with Israel to deliberate on the specific actions that can be implemented to promote these objectives," emphasized Blinken.
Administration officials claim they have achieved progress in certain aspects while tackling the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Thursday, the White House announced that Israel had agreed to implement regular four-hour pauses in military operations in Northern Gaza.
However, despite consistent pressure from the Biden administration on Israel to fine-tune their strategies and clearly outline their objectives in Gaza, the desired level of clarity sought by numerous US officials has not been achieved.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, more than 11,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. These figures are sourced from within the Hamas-controlled territory. The intensity of the military operation continues, as a Gaza hospital, considered the largest healthcare facility in the region, was reportedly surrounded by Israeli tanks and subjected to bombardment.
Mustafa al-Kahlout, the director of Al Nasr hospital and Al Rantisi Pediatric hospital in northern Gaza, appealed to the Red Cross for assistance in evacuating the facilities, stating that they are currently encircled by tanks and unable to leave. The IDF has alleged that Hamas is using civilian infrastructure for its operations and has vowed to target Hamas wherever required. These claims have not been independently verified by CNN.
Netanyahu maintained on Thursday that there will be no ceasefire until Hamas releases the hostages.
According to a survey published on Friday, an increasing number of Israelis believe that their country should initiate negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages in Gaza, but also advocate for the continuation of fighting during the negotiations.
According to a survey conducted by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute, 38% of Israelis believe that Israel should negotiate while fighting, an increase from the previous survey conducted two weeks ago when 32% held the same opinion. Netanyahu emphasized the need for the release of hostages, stating that the fighting will persist until a ceasefire is achieved.
However, finding a comprehensive solution to release the hostages has been difficult, and there is increasing frustration with the government's response. Recently, in Tel Aviv, hundreds of family members of the hostages gathered to demand stronger efforts to secure their loved ones' freedom. Additionally, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum released a strongly worded statement last week expressing their "enormous anger" towards the government's failure to provide information regarding the Gaza operation.
Furthermore, prominent cities around the world, such as London, Istanbul, New York, Baghdad, and Rome, have witnessed large-scale demonstrations supporting the Palestinian cause and advocating for a ceasefire. More protests are planned for the upcoming weekend.
A video captured a recent protest in Washington, DC, where a large crowd gathered, with many individuals donning the kaffiyeh, a patterned scarf associated with Palestinian identity, and waving Palestinian flags. Signs held by the protesters carried messages of "Stop the massacre" and "Let Gaza live." Some participants directly confronted Biden, leading chants accusing him of genocide and emphasizing the refusal to support a ceasefire.
Following a private fundraiser where Biden was approached by a protestor demanding a ceasefire, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that the president acknowledges the intensity of emotions and sentiments on this issue, both within and outside the administration. Kirby emphasized that they have actively sought input from various parties such as partners, organizations, experts, analysts, and individuals with diverse perspectives to fully comprehend their concerns while formulating policies.
Concerns regarding the escalation of the conflict and the possibility of increased diplomatic repercussions abroad continue to be a major concern for the United States.
According to a diplomatic cable obtained by CNN, American diplomats in the Arab world have strongly cautioned the Biden administration that their unwavering endorsement of Israel's military operation "is alienating Arab public opinion for an entire generation."
The cable cautions that US support for Israel's actions is seen as both material and moral responsibility for what some perceive as potential war crimes.
Moreover, in recent weeks, Iranian proxy groups in the Middle East have escalated their assaults on US forces and assets in the region, triggered by Hamas' attack on Israel.
US and coalition bases in Iraq and Syria have experienced more than 40 attacks since October 17th, resulting in minor injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, to multiple US servicemembers. Despite two US airstrikes carried out to deter such attacks, the militias remain undeterred.
US and coalition forces have been attacked on multiple occasions since the recent US strike in eastern Syria, as confirmed by a US official on Thursday. Secretary of State Blinken emphasized on Friday that efforts to bring the hostages back home and prevent the escalation of the conflict remain a top priority for the United States.
Speaking in India on Friday, Blinken emphasized that there has been some progress in the week since his meeting with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Tel Aviv. However, he acknowledged that this is a gradual process and not a quick fix.
Nevertheless, both Blinken and other US officials have consistently reiterated Israel's right to self-defense and rejected any appeals for a ceasefire.
The administration has publicly and privately acknowledged that the fighting cannot be halted at the moment, as the offensive's next phase unfolds. Blinken emphasized this stance at a news conference on Wednesday, despite the increasing pressure both domestically and internationally.
CNN reporters Jennifer Hansler, Kevin Liptak, MJ Lee, and Alex Marquardt made significant contributions to this report.
