The United States’ choice not to veto a UN Security Council resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, even without the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, 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, 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 UN Security Council, likely orchestrated by the Biden administration, 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 farther actions, even if it means deviating from established political norms in their bilateral relationship. The recent action taken by the US in the UN Security Council 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 UN Security Council 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 United States has historically maintained certain boundaries and refrained from altering its stance towards Israel. This remained the case, with the exception of a shift at the end of the Obama administration in December 2016.
This move by the Biden administration severely undermines a Western democratic state’s struggle against extreme Islamic terrorism. Rather than aiding in the outcome of the war, 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 the military operations, all of which undermine Israel’s ability to effectively wage war and endanger the lives of IDF soldiers.
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 $3.3 billion security aid package approved by the American 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, American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken participated at least twice in the discussions of the Israeli War Cabinet. Israel should now convey to the American administration that while coordination and synchronization between the two nations regarding the conflict will proceed as usual, Israel will no longer permit the direct involvement of American officials in its sovereign decision-making process.
Moreover, there is a need for a unified stance within Israel’s political system. 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 at the UN Security Council, 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 United States and globally to accurately portray the events of October 7, 2023. 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’ four battalions in the region, or alternatively, initiate a military campaign targeting remaining Hamas forces in central Gaza Strip. It is imperative for the United States to recognize that this equation has two sides, despite overwhelming power and generous assistance by one party to another.
Israel is not a puppet state dictated by foreign interests, as erroneously suggested by U.S Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who advocated for the ousting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US government, in its entirety, must acknowledge the consequences of throwing Israel under the bus on its own security, especially after Israel’s numerous concessions and coordination efforts with Washington.
This article was originally published in ynet news.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the movement.
