In February of this year, a US Federal Judge in California rendered a verdict suggesting that the plausibility exists that Israel’s relentless military campaign in the Gaza Strip may amount to nothing short of genocide. With an impassioned plea, the judge implored President Joe Biden and his administration to reckon with the ramifications of their steadfast support for Israel.
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Instead of urging caution, President Biden expedited emergency arms sales, circumventing Congressional oversight, to ensure Israel had an ample supply of munitions to continue its onslaught on Gaza, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, including children.
A Billion-Dollar Dilemma for Biden
The narrative unfolds with the weight of justice shifting, each development intensifying the climax. From the International Court of Justice’s resolute call for Israel to cease its lethal actions against Palestinians to impassioned protesters disrupting Biden’s public engagements, demanding an immediate ceasefire—the drumbeat of change echoes louder. American voters, once stalwart in their support, now pledge their allegiance elsewhere, signaling a seismic shift in political allegiance.
The legal action, initiated by the Center for Constitutional Rights on behalf of Palestinian human rights organizations Defense for Children International – Palestine and Al-Haq, alongside Palestinians in Gaza and the US, marked a significant moment from its inception. It serves as a pivotal instrument aimed at exerting pressure on the Biden administration and ensuring accountability for US leaders’ complicity in Israel’s egregious actions.
For far too long, the United States has indiscriminately provided billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded weaponry, combat aircraft, and other military support to Israel. The Biden administration is continuing this phase now. Both American citizens and the global community have reached a breaking point.
Cumulatively, the US has allocated approximately $158 billion (in non-inflation-adjusted dollars) in bilateral assistance and missile-system funding to Israel since World War II, establishing it as the primary beneficiary of US foreign aid. The families in Gaza are unable to endure another instance of the US funneling financial resources to the genocidal Israeli regime.
Mismanagement in the Middle East
Iran’s recent retaliation against an Israeli assault on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, through drone and missile strikes underscores the profound mismanagement of the Middle East by the Biden administration. Operating under the misguided belief that the region was experiencing a period of unprecedented calm prior to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, US officials’ subsequent actions have only exacerbated an already dire situation.
The administration’s response to the October 7 attack had three primary objectives. Firstly, it aimed to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel, evidenced by rhetorical backing, frequent consultations with Israeli leadership, defense against accusations of genocide, vetoing ceasefire resolutions in the UN Security Council, and supplying Israel with a steady stream of lethal weaponry. Secondly, it sought to prevent further escalation of the Gaza conflict. Finally, it endeavored to persuade Israel to exercise restraint, both to mitigate harm to Palestinian civilians and to safeguard the United States’ international standing.
Meanwhile, Houthi militias in Yemen persist in targeting Red Sea shipping lanes under the guise of seeking a ceasefire, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah linger, and violence escalates in the occupied West Bank. Now, Iran’s retaliatory strikes following the April 1 bombing of its consulate further escalate the risk of a broader conflict.
Although some may be quick to lay blame on Iran, characterizing it as the primary instigator of regional turmoil, the reality is more complex and reflects poorly on the Biden Administration’s policy.
Biden Administration’s Role in Regional Militarization
It is essential not to overlook the role of the United States in perpetuating the militarization of the Middle East over decades. Providing Israel with billions of dollars in sophisticated military equipment annually, alongside assurances of unconditional support trailed over 33,000 Palestinians, including over 12,000 children, perishing, and civilians facing the specter of famine.
In addition, its recent announcement of the largest confiscation of Palestinian land in the West Bank since 1993 in response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit. Rather than condemning Israel’s bombing of Iran’s consulate, the Biden Administration responded with a show of solidarity, further underscoring President Joe Biden’s steadfast commitment to Israel.
Tragically, those in the United States who vehemently shield Israel from criticism and pressure successive administrations to unconditionally support Israel have inadvertently inflicted significant harm on the very country they sought to assist.
The Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate occurred at a time when the Biden administration was running out of justifications for its continued provision of weapons and diplomatic cover for Israeli genocide in Gaza. With demands for a ceasefire and an arms embargo on Israel escalating, Biden faces internal pressure from segments of his Democratic base, particularly as he prepares for a re-election bid later this year against a resurgent rival, Donald Trump.
A wider conflict centered on Iran would serve to divert attention from Gaza’s dire situation and compel Biden to unconditionally support Israel, thus fulfilling his “iron-clad” commitment to Israel’s security. Furthermore, with the US embroiled directly in a war against Iran, Washington would be compelled to assist Israel in its longstanding objective to dismantle Iran’s nuclear energy program.
Biden Continuing a Legacy of Conflict
Israel’s primary aim is to eliminate any possibility of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, which would shift the military balance in the region and diminish Israel’s ability to act with impunity. Hence, Biden officials have expressed concerns to the US media about Israel potentially undertaking provocative actions to drag the administration into a broader conflict.
“The US has been at peace for only 16 of its 242 years as a nation.”
-Jimmy carter, 39th U.S. President
In truth, Washington has long nurtured Israel as its military proxy in the Middle East, with Israel’s role being to assert US power forcefully in the oil-rich region. The cost that Washington was willing to bear was Israel’s systematic oppression of the Palestinian people, paving the way for the establishment of a fortified “Jewish state.”
