Biden’s Israel policy, “Speak softly and carry a big
carrot”
A few months ago, President Biden seemed frustrated as
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel ignored his calls for restraint in
Gaza. In March, Biden was asked if his calls for Israel not to invade the
southern Gaza city of Rafah marked a “red line,” indicating serious
consequences if crossed. “It is a red line,” Biden said, “but I’m never gonna
leave Israel.” It was unclear what this meant, but it seemed to imply that an
Israeli invasion of Rafah would lead to a suspension of offensive weapon transfers
while maintaining defensive aid.
In April, Biden urged Netanyahu to announce and implement
specific steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety
of aid workers, linking U.S. policy to Israel's actions. In May, Biden
reiterated a red line, telling CNN, “If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying
the weapons” used against cities. This suggested Biden was finally willing to
stand up to Netanyahu and prevent a humanitarian disaster in Rafah.
Despite these declarations, Biden has since allowed
Netanyahu to act without consequences. Israel invaded Rafah, reduced food
supplies to southern Gaza, killed at least 15 additional aid workers, and
conducted reckless bombings. Now, as Biden proceeds with an $18 billion sale of
F-15 fighter jets to Israel, it sends a signal that there are no consequences
for ignoring his warnings.
Former administration official Jeremy Konyndyk observed,
“What Biden has shown Netanyahu over and over is that he will wag his finger
but he won’t enforce the finger-wagging.” Netanyahu has shown ingratitude by
criticizing the Biden administration and preparing to bypass the White House to
speak to Congress. Diplomacy involves sticks and carrots, but Netanyahu doesn’t
take Biden seriously because Biden mostly speaks softly and carries a big
carrot.
Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper, asked, “How much more
proof does Biden need that Netanyahu is not a U.S. ally?” If Biden’s red lines
are meaningless in Gaza, why should Russia, China, or Iran find him credible?
The Biden administration needs to reassess its approach and enforce
consequences to maintain international credibility and uphold a rules-based
order.
The war in Gaza may drag on, and Israel is contemplating
an attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Biden’s perceived weakness in dealing with
Netanyahu limits his influence and undermines efforts to prevent further
conflicts. While navigating real-world policy is complex, Biden must recognize
that his Gaza policy is a failure. It has not helped anyone but Netanyahu and
has damaged the U.S.'s standing. Biden needs to cut Netanyahu off and stop
treating Israel as the 51st state. It’s time for the administration to enforce
its red lines and demonstrate that there are consequences for actions that
undermine peace and stability.
Why now, after 75 years, and the great success Israel has
enjoyed, must our hands be tied by Netanyahu and his hard-right cabinet? Why
must billions of our tax dollars go to Israel, year after year, with little
help in finding a lasting peace in the Middle East?
Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and hundreds of senators
received substantial donations from AIPAC. And we worry about Russian
interference in our elections? Really.
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