The Biden Administration Threw Israel under the Bus

March 26, 2024

by: Dr. Omer Dostri ~ Ynetnews

Tuesday, 26 March 2024 | The US’s choice not to veto a United Nations Security Council [UNSC] resolution advocating for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza conflict marks a notable deterioration in relations between Washington and Jerusalem. This move also signals a notable shift in the Biden administration’s stance since the onset of the Gaza war.

Initially, US President Joe Biden staunchly supported Israel’s right to self-defense and its efforts to dismantle Hamas both militarily and politically. However, as the war progressed, the administration’s approach evolved. The deliberate abstention in the UNSC serves as a warning to Israel.

It suggests that if Israel persists in its demands regarding hostage negotiations and continues its preparations for a military operation in Rafah, the US is prepared to take further actions, even if it means deviating from established political norms in the bilateral relationship. The recent action taken by the US in the UNSC could potentially foreshadow more drastic measures, such as reducing or halting the shipment of weapons and ammunition to Israel.

For decades, the US’s influence within the UNSC has served as a crucial leverage point, exerting pressure on Israel while also providing a diplomatic shield for the state. However, these dynamics are shifting, as evidenced by this recent move, which challenges the traditional framework of unwavering US support for Israel.

Despite occasional tensions and complexities in their relationship, particularly concerning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the US has historically maintained certain boundaries and refrained from altering its stance toward Israel.

Monday’s move by the Biden administration severely undermines a Western democratic state’s struggle against extreme Islamic terrorism. Rather than aiding in the war’s outcome, the US decision risks prolonging it.

The primary beneficiaries of this shift in American policy are Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza. They are emboldened by Washington’s support, which sustains their resolve to continue fighting Israel and holding captives. Hamas is unlikely to agree to a compromise in hostage negotiations or rein in its terrorists when Israel’s most significant ally and the world’s largest power appears to be abandoning its support for it and adopting the narrative of a murderous Nazi-style terrorist organization.

The US decision is particularly egregious considering the numerous concessions Israel has made at the Biden administration’s request. These include facilitating humanitarian aid and even reducing the intensity of military operations, all of which undermine Israel’s ability to wage war and endanger the lives of Israel Defense Force [IDF] soldiers effectively.

Nevertheless, considering the power dynamics between the two nations and Israel’s reliance on American assistance and support for weapons procurement, defense aid (as evidenced by the recent US $3.3 billion security aid package approved by the US Congress), and ongoing diplomatic and political backing (even after the Biden administration’s recent decision), Israel must exercise restraint and avoid acting hastily based on fleeting emotions.

A measured response could involve reevaluating the extent of American involvement in the Israeli decision-making processes. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, Israel took a perplexing, historical and unprecedented measure by involving official American officials in its war decision-making. For example, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated at least twice in the discussions of the Israeli War Cabinet.

Moreover, a unified stance within Israel’s political system is needed. Both coalition and opposition parties should convey a clear and unified national message to Washington. This message should express Israel’s rejection of the US abstention from the UNSC while also expressing gratitude for the political and security assistance received from the US.

Simultaneously, Israel should initiate a comprehensive information and influence campaign within the US and globally to portray the events of October 7, 2023 accurately. While such efforts were made immediately following the Hamas attack, they have since waned. Presently, the media, public figures, influencers and decision-makers are predominantly exposed to a one-sided narrative emanating from Gaza, based on Hamas propaganda.

Moreover, Israel should capitalize on the current situation to launch a military operation in Rafah aimed at dismantling Hamas’s four battalions in the region or initiate a military campaign targeting remaining Hamas forces in the central Gaza Strip. The US must recognize that this equation has two sides, despite overwhelming power and generous assistance by one party to another.

Posted on March 26, 2024

Source: (Excerpt of an article originally published by Ynetnews on March 25, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

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