The situation is tense.
The White House is in a state of deliberation over potential responses should Israel proceed with a military operation in Rafah, disregarding President Joe Biden's emphasis on the safety of Palestinian civilians.
According to NBC News, the Biden administration is currently evaluating options in reaction to the possible Israeli incursion into Rafah. This move seems imminent without plans to spare Palestinian lives. The potential for Israel to overlook President Biden's cautions has significantly aggravated the situation, sparking widespread concern within the U.S. government.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen voices frustration
Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted the growing frustration within the U.S., critiquing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's neglect of President Biden's directives.
Sen. Van Hollen stated:
Time and again, President Biden calls upon the Netanyahu government to take certain actions, and for the most part, time and again, Netanyahu ignores the president of the United States. And so I think that makes the United States look ineffective.
The president has issued increasingly strong words and strong warnings, but I believe that to enforce those warnings effectively the administration has to use these other tools at its disposal.
The rift between the two nations expands as discussions on withholding or delaying U.S. military support to Israel surface following a lack of assurance from Israel regarding the lawful use of American weaponry.
Differing Democratic voices and internal divisions
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's critique of Netanyahu and call for new elections in Israel, which President Biden dubbed a “good speech,” underscores a division within the Democratic Party.
This division, exemplified by divergent opinions among Senators like John Fetterman and Jacky Rosen, could influence the direction of U.S. policy towards Israel and impact discussions around aid to both Ukraine and Israel.
The absence of a dialogue between President Biden and Netanyahu since February 15, with their last conversation concerning Rafah, marks a notable low in U.S.-Israel relations.
Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed support for Schumer in response to the growing tensions but pushed for a more assertive stance against Netanyahu's actions. A spokesperson for the National Security Council reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to protecting civilians, a principle disregarded in the current discourse with Israel.
Conclusion
The White House grapples with the possibility of an Israeli offensive in Rafah, reflecting deeply on how such an action, seemingly dismissive of civilian safety, could alter U.S.-Israel relations. This consideration comes in the wake of stern warnings from President Biden, aimed at ensuring Palestinian civilians are not caught in the crossfire, warnings Israel seems poised to ignore.
The Biden administration's contemplation of withholding military support highlights the gravity of the situation. Criticism from Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Sen. Bernie Sanders, alongside internal divisions within the Democratic Party and differing opinions on Netanyahu's leadership, illustrate a complex and evolving narrative that could have significant implications for future U.S. and Israeli interactions.
Why would Netanyahu have any respect for a USA led by a corrupt and incompetent Joe Biden? The Democrat Party should be renamed the Imbecile Socialist Party. If Biden hadn't released tens of billions to Iran we wouldn't be seeing all the unrest and violent in the Middle East. Democrats cause all the problems then tell the American People and the world we must support them to solve those very problems. November will be here soon and it will be a choice between the continuation of our nation's steep decline into oblivion or an honest effort to revive our Republic and Democracy. The Democrats have been working overtime since before the Civil War to destroy this union and as it now stands they have been about 90% successful. There isn't much left.