The Growing Fissure Between the U.S. and Israel Over Gaza Conflict
In recent weeks, the patience of President Joe Biden and his administration with Israel’s military operations in Gaza has notably dwindled. The use of progressively stern language aimed at Israel has culminated in a decisive action by the U.S.: allowing a ceasefire resolution to pass through the Security Council without exercising its veto power. This move marks a significant and public display of discord between the U.S. and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the Gaza conflict.
Netanyahu’s sharp critique of the U.S.’s decision reflects the deepening rift between the two nations, particularly targeting the U.S.’s refusal to protect Israel’s war strategy at the diplomatic level. This reaction may well fall into what the Biden administration views as a notable lack of gratitude, given the extensive military, diplomatic, and emotional support the U.S. has extended to Israel since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2022.
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Biden’s administration has consistently advocated for a balanced approach that seeks both the freedom of hostages held by Hamas and the military defeat of Hamas, but emphasizes the necessity of adhering to international humanitarian standards—”the right way.” Early in the conflict, Biden urged Israel not to act out of blind rage, a caution he underscored by personally visiting Israel, demonstrating support, and embracing Netanyahu despite their historically complex relationship.
The U.S. has been vocal about the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, in conversations with Israeli leadership. The backdrop to these discussions is the stark reality of the conflict’s toll: over 30,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly civilians, inflicted predominantly with U.S.-supplied weaponry, and the looming threat of famine among Gaza’s Palestinian population.
Amidst mounting evidence of Israel’s restrictive humanitarian aid policies exacerbating the crisis in Gaza, the U.S. has taken steps to independently provide aid, challenging the perception of unconditional support for Israel’s actions. The refusal to veto the recent ceasefire resolution underscores a strategic shift in the U.S. stance, aiming to temper global criticism of its role and to signal to Israel that its actions are not beyond international scrutiny.
This decision places Israel in a precarious position, needing to navigate the resolution’s implications, which Hamas and the Palestinian UN representative have welcomed. With Netanyahu’s government influenced by ultranationalist elements, the choice to respect or disregard the ceasefire resolution will have significant consequences, potentially requiring the U.S. to reconsider its level of support, including military aid crucial for Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza.
The unfolding scenario reflects a historic, albeit strained, alliance between the U.S. and Israel, tested by divergent approaches to the Gaza conflict. As tensions escalate, the depth of the rift exposes fundamental disagreements over strategy and humanitarian considerations, challenging the resilience of this long-standing partnership.
