SOFREP Awkward Embrace of the Day: Joe Holds Bibi a Little Too Close

Sorry to have to show you such a cringe-worthy “pic of the day.” The more I looked at this, the more uncomfortable I became. However, as time passed, the photo became a metaphor for US/Israel relations: close but awkward, with Joe wanting to back up a little.

Is Biden Playing for Both “Teams”?

President Biden’s navigation of the Israel-Hamas conflict demonstrates a less than nuanced approach where he has been seen as playing both sides to varying degrees. Here are some key points and how I see it:

Support for Israel:

Biden‘s visit to Israel during a turbulent time showcased a strong alliance with the country. His actions, like hugging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressing grief alongside Israelis affected by Hamas attacks, reinforced this stance.

He also backed Israel’s stance regarding a controversial hospital explosion in Gaza, attributing it to “the other team” rather than Israel. Dammit, I hate when he refers to warring factions as “teams.” War is not a game, Sir. Furthermore, under his administration, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on two senior Hamas officials to block their financial channels.

His rhetoric has been seen as supportive of Israel, with Congress members and certain factions appreciating this stance, albeit leading to criticism from others like Rep. Ilhan Omar, who expressed (what you could very generously call) frustration over what she perceived as one-sided support for Israel during the conflict.

President Biden Urges Restraint When Dealing With Hamas

Humanitarian Concerns:

Despite his support for Israel, Biden has also exhibited concern for humanitarian issues in Gaza. During his visit, he secured a commitment from Israeli officials to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, with Egypt facilitating the delivery of 20 trucks loaded with aid.

The Biden administration pledged $100 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, showcasing an attempt to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. But where is that money going? It’s going to the region’s governing body, which just happens to be Hamas. Our President just gave Israel’s enemy 100 million dollars. What do you think they will do with that, provide aid and comfort to their people? Perhaps not. I think they will use it to fuel their war against Israel. That gift will end up costing Israeli lives, not saving Palestinian ones.

Attempts at De-Escalation and Regional Diplomacy:

Biden’s trip to the region supposedly had a dual purpose: to support Israel and to work on de-escalating the conflict. However, the latter objective was seen as less successful due to the heightened tensions and the absence of a broader regional engagement during his visit, given the cancellation of a planned summit with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority. That right, the President of the United States, snubbed. It’s embarrassing for all Americans.

Additionally, the Biden administration put conditions on humanitarian aid to ensure it doesn’t reach Hamas, illustrating a balancing act between humanitarian concerns and security issues. It’s like giving hundreds of dollars to a thirsty alcoholic and telling them not to buy booze with it. What do you think is going to happen?

Criticism:

Certain factions criticized Biden for what they saw as a biased approach favoring Israel, with Arab-American leaders and others expressing that the administration’s rhetoric was insensitive to Palestinians.

This multi-faceted approach by Biden reflects attempts to maintain a robust alliance with Israel while also addressing humanitarian concerns and seeking to mitigate the conflict, albeit amidst a backdrop of criticism and complex regional dynamics.

Bottom line: His recent trip to Israel may have worsened matters.