Biden Is Trying to Rein In Israel. Is It Working? | The Daily

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily,” the focus is on President Biden’s evolving stance on Israel and its impact on the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Biden administration’s initial unwavering support for Israel has shifted due to growing concerns about civilian casualties and the global perception of Israel’s tactics. The episode explores Biden’s personal connection to Israel, the administration’s efforts to influence Israel’s actions, and the challenges faced in balancing support for Israel with the desire to limit civilian deaths.

Main Takeaways

Biden’s Shifting Stance on Israel

• President Biden’s public support of Israel has shifted over the past eight weeks, reflecting growing skepticism of Israel’s approach.
• The Biden administration is now openly disapproving of Israel’s tactics and emphasizing its responsibility to avoid civilian casualties.
• The change in tone from the White House is a stark contrast to its initial unwavering support for Israel after the October 7th attacks.
• The administration is increasingly upset about the civilian casualties and the impact on both Israel’s and the United States’ image worldwide.

Biden’s Personal Connection to Israel

• President Biden initially expressed strong support for Israel and emphasized standing with them, but the tone has since shifted due to the escalating civilian casualties.
• Joe Biden’s response to a terror attack in Israel was personal and empathetic, as he expressed his prayers for the impacted families.
• Biden’s strong support for Israel stems from his personal connection and rapport with the country, dating back to his early years and his conversations with Israeli leaders.
• Biden’s support for Israel is not surprising given the historic alliance between the US and Israel, but it’s noteworthy for his personal and empathetic approach.

Biden’s Influence on Israel’s Actions

• President Biden’s priority is to prevent the war from expanding beyond Gaza into other parts of the region.
• The US strategy of sending carrier groups to the region has been effective in preventing the conflict from escalating.
• Biden’s influence is seen in Israel’s delay in launching a ground war in Gaza, as he pushes them to consider civilian safety and consequences.
• The US provides advice based on their experiences in urban warfare and pushes for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza, despite initial resistance from Israel.
• Eventually, the Biden team is successful in pushing Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Limitations of Biden’s Influence

• The Biden administration’s influence on the conflict is limited, as seen in the overwhelming and powerful air strikes in Gaza.
• The heavy toll of civilian casualties from the air strikes is a source of frustration for the Americans, affecting international and domestic support for Israel and Biden.
• There is concern for what comes next after the conflict, with differing opinions between Washington and Jerusalem on governing Gaza.
• Netanyahu openly defies President Biden’s wishes by stating Israel will play a major role in the security of Gaza, leading to friction and uncertainty about the future of Gaza.

Summary

Biden’s Shifting Stance on Israel

President Biden’s initial strong support for Israel has evolved in response to the escalating civilian casualties caused by Israel’s tactics. The Biden administration is now openly critical of Israel’s approach and emphasizes the importance of avoiding civilian deaths. This shift reflects growing skepticism of Israel’s actions and concerns about the impact on both Israel’s and the United States’ global image. The administration is increasingly upset about the civilian casualties and seeks to address the issue.

Biden’s Personal Connection to Israel

President Biden’s personal connection to Israel plays a significant role in his support for the country. Dating back to his early years and conversations with Israeli leaders, Biden has developed a rapport and understanding of Israel’s perspective. His response to a terror attack in Israel was personal and empathetic, reflecting his deeply felt views about Israel and what it represents. While Biden’s support for Israel aligns with the historic alliance between the US and Israel, his personal approach sets him apart.

Biden’s Influence on Israel’s Actions

President Biden’s priority is to prevent the conflict from expanding beyond Gaza into other parts of the region. The US strategy of sending carrier groups to the region has been effective in deterring further escalation. Biden’s influence is evident in Israel’s delayed launch of a ground war in Gaza, as he pushes for consideration of civilian safety and consequences. The US provides advice based on their experiences in urban warfare and advocates for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Over time, the Biden administration succeeds in convincing Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Limitations of Biden’s Influence

Despite Biden’s efforts, his influence on the conflict is limited. The overwhelming and powerful air strikes in Gaza demonstrate the extent to which Israel operates independently. The significant civilian casualties resulting from these airstrikes pose a challenge for the Biden administration, affecting international and domestic support for both Israel and Biden. Additionally, there are differing opinions between Washington and Jerusalem on the governance of Gaza, leading to uncertainty about the region’s future. Netanyahu’s defiance of Biden’s wishes further complicates the situation.

Conclusion

President Biden’s evolving stance on Israel reflects growing concerns about civilian casualties and the global perception of Israel’s tactics. While his personal connection to Israel influences his support, Biden faces limitations in influencing Israel’s actions. The conflict’s impact on civilian lives and public opinion presents challenges for the Biden administration. However, Biden continues to navigate a delicate relationship with Israel, seeking to influence their actions without undermining their standing in the world.