In March 2024, as tensions escalated in the Middle East, President Joe Biden publicly acknowledged a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He warned that an invasion of Rafah, a city sheltering hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, would cross a “red line.” This marked the first time Biden indicated that U.S. support for Israel might have limits, a notable departure from the historically unwavering backing the U.S. has provided to its ally.
In May, Biden took a concrete step by halting the transfer of certain bombs to Israel, aiming to mitigate civilian casualties in Rafah. However, this restraint was short-lived. By July, the U.S. resumed shipments of 500-pound bombs, and in August, the Biden administration approved a staggering $20 billion arms sales deal to Israel, which has faced delays in Congress due to a resolution from Senator Bernie Sanders. This was followed by an additional $8.7 billion arms package approved in September.
The rhetoric from the White House has often emphasized peace and restraint, yet actions have frequently contradicted these statements. The U.S. has provided approximately $17.9 billion in military aid over the past year, facilitating Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and, more recently, expanding its conflict into Lebanon. Reports have documented the use of U.S. weapons in actions that may constitute war crimes, raising serious ethical concerns about the implications of American military support.
Yousef Munayyer, a political analyst and head of the Palestine/Israel Program at the Arab Center Washington D.C., characterized Biden’s approach as a “no-restraints policy.” This sentiment was echoed by White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, who stated that the U.S. would not impose red lines on Israel. Munayyer noted that this lack of pushback has emboldened Israel to escalate its military actions, including targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure without consequence.
Despite assurances from Biden and his administration about protecting Palestinian civilians, the reality on the ground has been dire. The U.S. has engaged in diplomatic efforts, but these have often fallen short of addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The death toll has risen dramatically, with reports indicating that over 21,800 Palestinians had died by the end of 2023, and millions faced starvation.
Throughout 2024, Biden’s administration has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For instance, in October, Biden stated that Israel must respond to threats but should do so proportionately. However, this call for proportionality has often been overshadowed by continued military support and arms sales to Israel, raising questions about the U.S.’s commitment to human rights and international law.
As the conflict persists, the Biden administration’s actions have sparked widespread criticism. Many argue that the U.S. is complicit in the humanitarian crisis due to its unwavering support for Israel, even as reports of civilian casualties mount. The International Criminal Court has raised concerns about potential war crimes, and human rights organizations have condemned the ongoing violence.
In the face of these challenges, the Biden administration’s narrative appears increasingly at odds with the realities of the conflict. The ongoing violence, particularly in Gaza, has led to a growing chorus of voices demanding a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, the question remains: can the U.S. reconcile its strategic interests with the pressing need for humanitarian intervention and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
The stakes are high, not only for the people of Gaza and Israel but also for the credibility of U.S. foreign policy on the global stage. As the conflict unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a shift towards a more balanced and humane approach to one of the most enduring conflicts of our time.