The Biden administration is expressing growing concerns over the Israeli military actions in Gaza as the death toll among Palestinian civilians continues to rise. Top officials in the administration are worried about the potential backlash of President Biden’s support for Israel, particularly if U.S.-provided weapons are being used to kill innocent civilians. There is an increasing unease among administration officials that the U.S. may become isolated on the world stage due to its close alignment with Israel, which could adversely impact Biden’s foreign policy efforts and relationships with Arab allies. The administration is making efforts to adjust its public messaging to emphasize concern for Palestinian civilians and the need for humanitarian relief, while also urging Israel to take concrete steps to better protect civilians. As the war continues, the differences between the U.S. and Israel over military actions are expected to intensify, further complicating the situation.
Biden administration expresses concerns over Israeli military actions in Gaza
Growing concerns among top Biden administration officials
There is a growing sense of concern among top Biden administration officials regarding the Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the internal discussions, officials are uncertain about their ability to rein in the Israeli military and worry about the potential backlash and isolation that the United States may face on the world stage.
Worries about U.S. isolation on the world stage
There is a significant concern among Biden administration officials about the risk of increased isolation for the United States due to President Biden’s close alignment with Israel. Officials fear that the United States may be blamed for the actions of the Israeli military and worry about the potential impact on Biden’s foreign policy efforts and relationships with Arab allies.
Adjustment in administration’s public message
In response to growing criticism, the Biden administration has adjusted its public message to emphasize concern for Palestinian civilians and efforts to secure humanitarian relief for them. The administration wants to be able to point to their past statements if the situation deteriorates further. Images of civilian casualties in Gaza have intensified calls for a shift in messaging and increased support for the Palestinians.
Concerns about narrative of Biden’s support for Israeli military actions
Officials in the Biden administration are worried about the perception of unconditional support for Israel and the use of U.S.-provided weapons against Palestinian civilians. There are concerns about the defense department’s position on weapons restrictions and the potential impact on the narrative surrounding Biden’s support for Israeli military actions.
Secretary of State Blinken’s message
Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a planned, more strident message, emphasizing Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself. He also highlighted the importance of how Israel carries out its actions and the need to protect civilians. Blinken’s message signals a shift in approach and demonstrates the administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns about Israeli military actions.
Senator Chris Murphy’s statement
Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, called for recognition of the level of civilian harm caused and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the current operational approach. He emphasized the importance of ending the threat from Hamas while also highlighting the need to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians.
Rising death toll in Gaza
The death toll among Palestinian civilians in Gaza continues to rise, with a high number of casualties reported. The impact on Palestinian civilians is significant, raising concerns about the proportionality of Israeli actions. The increasing death toll further heightens concerns among Biden administration officials about the Israeli military’s approach and the potential consequences of the ongoing war.
Expected intensification of differences with Israel
As the war in Gaza continues, administration officials anticipate that disagreements between the United States and Israel over how military actions are being carried out will intensify. There are concerns about the implications of these differences on the ongoing war and the potential for wider unrest in the Middle East.
Risk of wider unrest in the Middle East
Persistent Israeli attacks killing Palestinian civilians raise concerns about the risk of wider unrest in the Middle East. Biden administration officials worry about the potential impact on their foreign policy efforts, particularly in relation to America’s Arab allies. They recognize the need to address the situation carefully to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Realization of increasing isolation for the United States
Senior Biden administration officials are increasingly recognizing the growing isolation of the United States. This realization has implications for all aspects of U.S. foreign policy, and officials are aware that it will affect their ability to pursue their priorities. However, there are differing perspectives within the administration, with some officials pushing back against the notion of isolation and pointing to Biden’s ongoing role as a world leader and his continued engagements with U.S. allies.