The Biden administration has not shown any new indications on Friday that it is prepared to take a tougher stance on Israel’s military operation against Hamas, despite worsening conditions in Gaza. Civilian deaths are rising, and aid groups are warning of shortages of water, food, and medicine.
Biden officials state that Israel must do more to limit civilian casualties and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, this position still differs greatly from that of many Arab countries, which are demanding an immediate cease-fire and blaming Israel for what they consider a profoundly disproportionate response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.
During a visit to Washington on Friday, ministers from Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations held a news conference, calling for the Israeli offensive to stop. Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, accused Israel of committing a “massacre.”
In New York, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates that called for a humanitarian cease-fire. The U.S. was the only country to oppose the resolution.
While facing increasing pressure, both domestically and internationally, the Biden administration has been urging Israel to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. However, the administration has not publicly threatened Israel with specific consequences if it fails to do so. White House officials have dismissed talks of cutting or conditioning military aid to Israel and have not set a firm deadline for Israel to end its offensive in Gaza.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed dissatisfaction with civilian deaths and humanitarian conditions in Gaza during a news conference in Washington. He stated that there is a gap between Israel’s stated intent to protect civilians and the actual results on the ground.
During a visit to Tel Aviv, Blinken told Israeli leaders that they must designate safe areas for civilians, avoid further displacement of Gazans, and prevent damage to critical infrastructure. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Vice President Kamala Harris have also urged Israel to conduct its operations with more care.
Israeli officials argue that they are in an impossible position, fighting an enemy that embeds itself among civilians and seeks to maximize Palestinian deaths. They claim that they cannot defeat this fanatical enemy in a dense urban area without causing collateral damage.
In Washington and at the United Nations, Arab diplomats expressed anger at Israel’s renewed offensive. Some Democrats on Capitol Hill also believe that the United States must pressure Israel beyond just words. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland stated that the Biden administration should call for a pause in Israel’s military campaign until a verifiable plan of action is presented to secure the president’s objectives.
Biden officials support pauses in the fighting to deliver more humanitarian relief into Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, they oppose a long-term cease-fire, as it would allow Hamas’s leadership to survive and threaten Israel.
The Biden administration has not given Israel a firm deadline to finish major military operations, and they believe it is not their role to do so. However, they do have influence over the situation.
Some U.S. officials warn privately that any perception of a U.S. break with Israel could encourage Hezbollah to attack Israel. Mark Mellman, a U.S.-based pollster, also warns that public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could backfire and strengthen the right in Israel.
There are indications that Biden agrees with this theory. While he called the idea of conditioning U.S. aid to Israel on limiting civilian deaths a “worthwhile thought,” his national security adviser clarified that Biden had only acknowledged the idea and believed in direct diplomacy behind closed doors.