Briefings on Israel and Gaza: Biden cautiously navigates a political quagmire

While enjoying an ice cream snack on Monday afternoon with a late-night talk show presenter, US President Joe Biden made hints that a fresh ceasefire in the Gaza War could be reached as soon as this coming Monday. “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close,” he stated. His remarks struck a deep chord with many in the American Palestinian community—a sentiment that the White House has subsequently recanted. Then, as part of a demonstration organized by pro-Palestinian organizations, over 100,000 participants in the Democratic primary in Michigan—one of the most significant battlegrounds for the November presidential election—voted as “uncommitted” ballots on Tuesday night.

 

One of the organizers, Lexis Zeidan, stated on Tuesday night, “This is a warning sign.” This last week has served as a reminder to Mr. Biden that the unrest in the Middle East and the White House’s handling of it might potentially jeopardize his candidacy. The president has been stuck in a vise since the war began with the assaults of October 7th, having to make decisions about Middle East policy that enrage important members of his coalition. On the other hand, when it comes to significant policy changes, the Biden administration is being cautious. And in spite of the internal pressure this week, the Biden administration has mostly stuck to its existing path.

 

US State Department Press Secretary Matt Miller stated during a briefing on Thursday that the US keeps providing help to Israel in order to support its “legitimate right” to self-defense and the averting of another attack similar to the one that occurred on October 7. “There is a mistaken belief that the United States is able to dictate to other countries sovereign decisions,” he stated. “Israel makes its sovereign decisions – we make clear where we disagree with them.” Context: US officials have stated that the US is thinking of postponing more weaponry transfers to Israel in addition to taking other actions.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*