Washington, DC – President Joe Biden, holding an ice cream cone, had declared back in February that a ceasefire in Gaza was “close” and could materialize within days. However, more than seven months later, Israel’s war on Gaza not only continued but expanded, with Israeli troops invading and bombing Lebanon as tensions and violence escalated across the Middle East. Despite verbal calls for de-escalation, the Biden administration has provided political support and a steady supply of bombs to Israel to sustain its wars. The US has welcomed nearly every escalatory step Israel has taken this year, from killing Hamas leaders to invading south Lebanon. Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 42,000 deaths, while also bombing Beirut daily and preparing for an attack on Iran. The gap between US rhetoric and policy is widening as the conflict intensifies and spreads across the region.
Many liberal commentators have suggested that the Biden administration is failing to rein in Israel, while others argue that it is actually responsible for the escalation, using the chaos to advance a hawkish agenda against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Analysts believe that despite statements about restraint and calls for a ceasefire, the US remains a key driver of violence in the region due to its continuing military and diplomatic support for Israel.
After initially pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, the US shifted focus to supporting Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin endorsed an Israeli ground campaign in south Lebanon, risking a full-scale invasion of the country. Despite efforts towards a diplomatic solution, the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in the region has been questioned. Reports indicate that senior US officials have privately backed Israeli military operations against Hezbollah, with the goal of reshaping the Middle East.
As the war in Lebanon continues and tensions between Iran and Israel rise, analysts believe that Biden’s failure to end the war in Gaza has contributed to the current situation. The Biden administration’s unconditional support for the Netanyahu government has been criticized for leading the region into uncertainty. The one-sided policy towards Israel and refusal to acknowledge any rationality in the conflict has resulted in continued violence and instability in the region.