In a significant development, a dissent memo from within the State Department has surfaced, offering a scathing assessment of the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The memo, obtained by reporters, calls for a more public stance against Israeli actions and signals a growing lack of confidence among U.S. diplomats in President Joe Biden’s approach to the Middle East crisis.
The sentiments expressed in the memo appear to resonate with many U.S. diplomats, particularly those at mid-level and lower ranks. If these internal disagreements continue to intensify, it could potentially hinder the Biden administration’s ability to formulate a cohesive policy towards the region.
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Calls for transparency in Israel-Gaza messaging resonated
The memo outlines two crucial requests: first, that the U.S. actively support a ceasefire, and second, that it strikes a balance between its private and public communications regarding Israel. This includes being more open in criticizing Israeli military tactics and their treatment of Palestinians, issues that the U.S. typically prefers to address privately.
A central argument presented in the memo is that the disparity between America’s private and public messaging contributes to the perception that the U.S. is a biased and dishonest actor in the region. The memo asserts that the U.S. must publicly address Israel’s violations of international norms, such as its failure to limit offensive operations to legitimate military targets. It also calls for addressing issues like settler violence, illegal land seizures, and the excessive use of force against Palestinians.
While the document is marked as “sensitive but unclassified,” it remains unclear how many individuals have signed it, or if and when it was officially submitted to the State Department’s Dissent Channel, where employees can express policy disagreements. Additionally, it is uncertain whether the document has undergone revisions beyond the version obtained by reporters.
Nonetheless, the memo provides valuable insights into the prevailing sentiments among many State Department personnel who have long grappled with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The State Department, as a matter of standard practice, refrained from directly commenting on the memo but referred to past statements by spokesperson Matthew Miller. These statements have indicated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomes and carefully considers such internal arguments and dissent.
Staffers call for re-evaluation of U.S. stance on Israel-Hamas conflict
The memo was authored by two midlevel staffers with experience in the Middle East, as revealed by a department insider who had access to the document and spoke anonymously to address the sensitivity of the topic.
While the memo acknowledges Israel’s “legitimate right and obligation” to seek justice against Hamas, which carried out a shocking attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 Israelis, it strongly contends that the current human toll, particularly among Palestinians, is “unacceptable.” The memo emphasizes that the vast number of Palestinian casualties, including many civilians and children, raises doubts about the rules-based international order that the United States has historically championed. It asserts that the United States should hold both Israel and Hamas accountable for their actions.
However, it is important to note that the memo’s demands are not likely to gain immediate traction with President Biden or his top advisers. The administration has ruled out demanding an immediate ceasefire, aligning with Israel’s objective to dismantle Hamas, which is primarily based in the Gaza Strip.
The complex dynamics in the region are further complicated by Hamas embedding its arsenal and fighters within civilian populations, making it challenging for Israel to distinguish military targets. Israeli officials have contended that they make efforts to minimize civilian casualties, but a certain number of such casualties are deemed inevitable due to the way Hamas positions its assets.
Reports indicate growing discontent within the State Department over the Biden administration’s approach, with some referring to it as a “mutiny” among staffers. This sentiment was further echoed by the resignation of Josh Paul, a senior official responsible for weapons deals, who cited concerns that Biden’s policies could lead to further suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Biden administration, while increasingly emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and adhering to international law, has largely refrained from direct public criticism of Israeli actions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held listening sessions with groups of staffers who have expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of U.S. policy in recent weeks.
In a message to State Department staff last month, Secretary Blinken underscored the significance of embracing and listening to internal disagreements within the department, recognizing the diverse range of opinions held by its members.
Biden administration faces backlash
In the wake of the Israel-Gaza conflict, there is growing discontent among Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans towards the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel. In response, President Biden and his top aides have launched an outreach effort to address some of the mounting frustration.
Recent surveys reflect a significant decline in support for President Biden within Arab American communities. A poll by the Arab American Institute revealed that only 17 percent of respondents expressed backing for the president, down from 59 percent in 2020. Additionally, a survey showed that in the crucial swing state of Michigan, only 16 percent of Arab and Muslim respondents would vote for Biden if elections were held today.
Analysts attribute this drop in support to several factors. Initially, Biden’s unequivocal endorsement of Israel’s actions received criticism for its lack of acknowledgment of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Simultaneously, he pledged increased political and military aid to Israel, requesting over $14 billion in additional support for the US ally, which already receives $3.8 billion in annual assistance.
President Biden further stirred controversy when he expressed doubt about the reported death toll in Gaza, stating he had “no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using.” The death toll has now surpassed 10,000.
Efforts by the Biden administration to engage with Arab and Palestinian-American communities have been met with skepticism. Dana El Kurd, a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, described these outreach efforts as “performative” and noted they were not resonating with the affected communities.
During a recent gathering in Washington, DC, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, President Biden became a focal point of criticism, with speeches, chants, and signs accusing him of endorsing war crimes against Palestinians.
As Arab and Muslim communities collectively appear to be distancing themselves from President Biden and the Democratic Party, many find themselves without a political affiliation that fully aligns with their concerns.
