Biden Urges Israel to Alter Course with High Stakes Involved

The United States is working to convince Israel to reduce its military operations in the Gaza War, as part of its diplomatic objective. This is seen as a crucial test for the Biden administration, and its success or failure could have significant implications for the next phase of the conflict and for President Biden's political standing at home. Publicly, the US has been offering advice to Israel rather than exerting pressure. US officials, from President Biden to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have consistently affirmed Israel's right to self-defense. They have also warned that a military operation that falls short of removing Hamas from power would only invite more attacks. However, many people around the world view this approach as ineffective in curbing Israel's relentless bombing campaign, which has caused a high number of casualties and extensive destruction. US officials argue that their strategy is the most effective way to influence Israel, given the country's trauma from the recent Hamas attack and its reluctance to show restraint. Nevertheless, this approach has divided the Democratic Party, alienated key supporters, and left the US isolated on the global stage. Despite some limited achievements in facilitating humanitarian aid and brokering a temporary ceasefire, the protection of civilians remains a challenge. The US has been actively involved in the conflict, with senior officials visiting the region regularly to engage in face-to-face discussions. However, critics argue that the US has been too cautious and complicit in Israel's actions. They believe the US should have exerted more pressure and used its military aid as leverage to rein in Israel's excessive campaign. However, experts like Aaron David Miller, who has extensive experience in Middle East affairs, believe that pressuring Israel to change its policy is unrealistic. He argues that the US cannot control or micromanage the dynamics of the conflict, especially when Israel and Hamas have irreconcilable goals. Miller emphasizes that the US must provide a compelling alternative or outcome that Israel can accept if it wants to influence Israeli decision-making. It remains to be seen whether the US strategy of publicly supporting Israel while urging restraint behind closed doors will be sufficient to persuade Israel to scale back its military campaign. The US is also facing growing international isolation, as evidenced by its opposition to calls for an immediate ceasefire at the United Nations. Meanwhile, President Biden is also facing domestic pressure to take a stronger stance against Israel, with a significant portion of the American public and some members of his own party criticizing his handling of the conflict. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this issue poses a challenge to Biden's political standing. Ultimately, the US's ability to persuade Israel to scale down its offensive will determine the next steps for President Biden. As the last year of his first term approaches, he will have to navigate the complexities of domestic politics while addressing the grave challenge posed by the Gaza War.