The Unwavering Support: Joe Biden, Israel, and the Erasure of Palestinian Suffering
The Unwavering Support: Joe Biden, Israel, and the Erasure of Palestinian Suffering
For nearly seven months, Gaza has been engulfed in a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. The conflict, widely condemned as a genocide by international observers, has exacted a devastating toll on Palestinian lives. Tens of thousands have perished, including over 15,000 children. The scenes of razed neighborhoods, mass graves, and indiscriminate bombardment depict a harrowing reality of loss and despair.
Central to this tragedy is the unwavering support of the United States, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, for Israel. Despite mounting global pressure and domestic calls for a policy shift, Biden's administration has steadfastly maintained its stance, echoing decades of unyielding support for Israel. This allegiance, however, is not merely political; it is deeply ingrained in Biden's personal and political history.
Biden's Pro-Israel Stance: A Historical Perspective
Joe Biden's affinity for Israel dates back to his early days in politics. He has proudly proclaimed himself a Zionist, a stance shaped by familial influence and his upbringing. Throughout his 36-year tenure as a senator and later as Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden forged close ties with the pro-Israel lobby, notably AIPAC, becoming a leading recipient of their political contributions.
His unwavering support for Israel was evident during the Obama administration, which saw unprecedented levels of military aid and diplomatic backing extended to Israel. Despite occasional tensions, such as those over the Iran nuclear deal, the relationship between the U.S. and Israel remained robust under Obama's tenure, culminating in a historic $38 billion military aid package to Israel before leaving office.
Biden's Administration and Current Policy
Fast forward to Biden's presidency, where the Gaza crisis has posed a defining challenge. Despite initial hopes for a more nuanced approach, Biden's administration quickly aligned itself with Israel's military campaign, approving over 100 arms sales even as evidence of civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction mounted. This support, framed as Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, has drawn criticism for its disregard of Palestinian suffering and human rights abuses.
The Media Narrative and Political Realities
The narrative surrounding Biden's stance often shifts blame to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This scapegoating, however, overlooks Biden's own ideological alignment and longstanding support for Israel. By framing Netanyahu as the sole obstacle to peace, the narrative absolves broader American culpability in perpetuating the conflict and systemic oppression of Palestinians.
Challenges to the Narrative
Critics argue that focusing solely on Netanyahu's policies ignores broader systemic issues within Israeli society, where policies of occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing have persisted across different administrations. Polls within Israel indicate widespread support for aggressive military actions and resistance to ending the occupation, underscoring deeper societal divisions and challenges to achieving a sustainable peace.
A Legacy of Unyielding Support: Biden, Israel, and the Ongoing Tragedy in Gaza
Peter Beinart's critique in a 2020 article for Jewish Currents sheds light on Vice President Joe Biden's historical stance towards Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Beinart pointedly noted Biden's consistent shielding of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from criticism during the Obama administration, advocating instead for stronger U.S. support for Israel's military actions under the guise of self-defense.
This unwavering support, underscored by Biden's personal admiration for Israel and its right to defend itself, has persisted into his presidency. Despite campaign promises of a departure from Trump-era policies, Biden's administration has largely maintained the status quo, reinforcing military aid, and turning a blind eye to Israel's documented violations of international law in Gaza.
Continuing Patterns and Media Narrative
The media's portrayal of Biden's role in the ongoing crisis in Gaza has been criticized for its complicity in perpetuating a narrative that absolves the administration of culpability. Despite harrowing scenes of devastation and widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, Biden's statements and actions continue to prioritize Israel's security over Palestinian rights, effectively endorsing a policy of genocide in Gaza.
The Trump administration's extreme policies, including the expansion of settlements and the controversial relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, were expected to be reversed under Biden. However, instead of dismantling these decisions, Biden's administration has embraced them, cementing them as the new norm in U.S.-Israeli relations.
Challenges and Calls for Accountability
Critics argue that Biden's refusal to challenge Netanyahu's leadership and policies not only perpetuates Palestinian suffering but also undermines any meaningful progress towards a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The administration's rhetoric of humanitarian concern is starkly contradicted by its actions, including emergency arms sales to Israel and diplomatic cover for its military operations in Gaza.
The Role of U.S. Media
The complicity of U.S. news media in framing Biden's policies without critical scrutiny has further exacerbated the crisis. By perpetuating narratives that deflect blame from Biden and the administration, media outlets have effectively shielded them from accountability. This narrative manipulation, reminiscent of past propaganda leading up to the Iraq War, raises serious questions about the integrity and purpose of modern journalism.
Conclusion: Reckoning and Responsibility
As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, there is an urgent need for a reckoning within U.S. policy and media circles. The legacy of Biden's presidency, marred by its staunch support for Israel amidst humanitarian catastrophe, demands critical reflection and accountability. Without a fundamental shift in policy and media discourse, the prospects for peace and justice in the region remain bleak.
Ultimately, the ongoing crisis in Gaza is not just a test of Biden's leadership but also a moral reckoning for the United States and its role in perpetuating violence and injustice. The failure to address this crisis with honesty and accountability undermines the credibility of both U.S. foreign policy and journalistic integrity on the global stage.
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