Mounting Pressure on The White House from Biden’s Inner Circle to Aid Gaza – Sky Bulletin
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Top Senate allies of President Joe Biden are intensifying their push for the administration to take concrete steps to alleviate the hardship faced by Palestinian civilians in Gaza. With a growing chorus led by Senator Bernie Sanders, there are now calls for a potential reduction in military assistance if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains unyielding.
Even key confidant Senator Chris Coons has expressed that it’s time for a firmer stance against Israel’s wartime conduct. The enduring bipartisan congressional support for Israel makes the prospect of decreased military aid uncertain, despite the influence these moderate Democrats hold. This issue is set to become more prominent during Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday.
Divisions among Democrats extend beyond the conflict in Gaza, with some seeking legislation to require congressional approval for continued military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, who claim their Red Sea attacks support Palestinians in the nearly five-month-long Gaza conflict.
Despite these internal party rifts, action regarding the U.S. role in Middle East conflicts has been largely stagnant. However, concern is growing, particularly among Muslim and Arab American voters, about the Biden administration’s stance on the Israeli actions in Gaza, and Netanyahu’s dismissive attitude towards U.S. calls for civilian protection and increased humanitarian aid.
Democratic lawmakers are cautious in their criticism, aware that it could weaken Biden ahead of a challenging reelection battle with Donald Trump. But the deaths of over 100 Palestinians in a disrupted aid delivery have spurred more vocal demands for change among Senate Democrats. Responses have ranged from Senator Coons suggesting aid cuts, Senator Jack Reed advocating for naval assistance with aid delivery, to Senator Tim Kaine questioning the effectiveness of U.S. strikes on the Houthis.
Senator Patty Murray condemned the Israeli actions as counter to America’s interests and to Israel’s safety, and Senator Warren emphasized the need to convey that Netanyahu’s war conduct is detrimental to U.S. interests.
Despite detailed discussions and hearings, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has yet to mark up related legislation. Still, committee spokespeople highlight ongoing policy oversight efforts, while the House Foreign Affairs Committee has progressed with bipartisan bills relevant to the Middle East.
FAQ
- Why are some of Biden’s top Senate allies pushing on the issue of Gaza?
- They are concerned about the Palestinian civilian suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict and want the U.S. to take direct action to ease this suffering.
- What actions are suggested by Senate Democrats?
- Proposals include cutting military aid to Israel if they don’t change their approach, using U.S. Navy to deliver humanitarian aid, and seeking congressional approval for military strikes in the region.
- What’s causing the dissent within the Democratic Party?
- The chief causes are disagreements over the U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and the pursuit of military engagement against Houthis in Yemen without congressional approval.
- Has the Senate Foreign Relations Committee taken any legislative action?
- Thus far, the Committee has not marked up legislation since the start of the Gaza conflict but has conducted oversight on Middle East policy.
Conclusion
The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza is drawing increased critique not only from the global community but also from within President Biden’s own political circle. As the death toll rises and peace continues to be elusive, the pressure mounts on the White House to re-evaluate its stance on military aid to Israel and to leverage its influence to broker a more humanitarian approach to the conflict. As senators on both sides deliberate the best path forward, it is evident that U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East remains a contentious and deeply complex issue, reflecting the broader challenges of diplomatic engagement, ethical considerations, and strategic interests.
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