What does the relationship between the American administration and Israel look like after the Gaza war?
The Guardian newspaper published a report on President Joe Biden’s administration maintaining a delicate balance in its dealings with Israel regarding Gaza, as it supported Israel while also advocating for the safety of Palestinians.
Biden has consistently expressed his support for Israel, which was evident in his assurances to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent crisis, where he refrained from publicly criticizing Israel, as doing so might hinder U.S. influence in any private negotiations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense, emphasizing that the United States firmly stands behind Israel.
However, behind closed doors, the United States quietly urged Israel to consider the broader implications of its actions, such as the impact of destroying Hamas and the safety of Gaza‘s civilian population.
According to the report, tensions arose between the two administrations when the United States was not consulted about Israel‘s decision to give a 24-hour notice to the Palestinians in Gaza to move south, a move that raised global concerns about permanent displacement from the region.
In response, Blinken began emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for civilians, acknowledging the complexities of the situation due to Israel’s claim that Hamas uses civilians as human shields.
During his diplomatic tour in several Middle Eastern capitals, Blinken worked on setting red lines, including ruling out mass displacement operations and rallying regional support for this.
Blinken also welcomed the idea of a Middle East peace conference proposed by the Egyptian president, although it remains contingent on a post-Hamas future administration in Gaza.
However, the United States may have set for itself objectives that seem unattainable by supporting Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas while also calling for the safety of Palestinians in Gaza. Therefore, the Biden administration is now primarily focused on crisis management, realizing that it cannot prevent a major Israeli military operation, recognizing that the consequences of such an operation are uncertain and difficult to predict.
In summary, the American administration, led by President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken, navigates a challenging path in its dealings with Israel regarding Gaza, striving to achieve a balance between supporting Israel and defending Palestinian civilians while managing the ongoing crisis in the region.
