Biden Missteps: Confusing Allies and Enemies in the Gaza Hostage Crisis
In a recent press briefing, when questioned whether Prime Minister Netanyahu was doing sufficiently to liberate the hostages, President Biden simply responded with a ‘No.’ A puzzling stance to take considering it is not Netanyahu, but Hamas, who is confining these innocent lives in the bleak tunnels of Gaza. Evidently, the White House’s approach leans towards a stringent ultimatum with regards to the ongoing Hamas-Israel situation instead of a solution-oriented diplomacy.
There’s an ominous murmuring indicating that the Israeli administration may soon be burdened with escalating demands to liberate the reluctant hostages kept by Hamas in the frightening tunnels of Gaza for nearly a year now. A situation that has sparked an outcry among the public, but it seems they are pointing their fingers at the wrong culprits. It’s comparable to a person who drops a coin in pitch darkness but insists on searching for it under the street lamp only because there’s light.
The real enemies here, the ones who keep these hostages in dismally dark tunnels, are Hamas, not the government based in Jerusalem. It’s clear that Hamas is a key player in Iran’s scheme for a seven-frontal assault to annihilate the Jewish state. Following the shocking murder of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, both President Biden and Vice President Harris were quick to place blame on Hamas for the brutal killing of an American citizen, an action rarely seen from their side.
Vice President Harris went a step further to suggest that Hamas’s reign of terror ‘must be terminated, and they must not control Gaza.’ But the glimmers of rationality from the Biden-Harris administration seem to fade quickly when it comes to the tremendous political pressure they’re exerting on Israel, with demands that could potentially lighten the military load on Hamas.
It’s no secret that Israel has been shaken ever since the latest episode of Hamas’s cruelty came to light, leading to the biggest anti-government demonstration since October 7. Prime Minister Netanyahu now stands at a precipice, forced to choose between conceding to the ongoing clamor in Washington and Tel Aviv or staying steady on a path that means more hostage casualties but upholds the sacred duty of ‘pidyon shvuyim’ — the redemption of captives.
Tying the hands of Netanyahu by increasing international scrutiny only causes Hamas to feel less inclined to release the hostages. Rather than pressuring Hamas’ supporters – Qatar, Turkey, and their facilitator, Egypt, to intervene, Washington seems to be singing their diplomatic praises. It’s evident how using America’s influence over Israel to accept yet another ‘final’ offer is more convenient for the Biden-Harris administration.
In this political game of chess, their ‘final’ offer will be faithfully delivered to Hamas, via Doha, Cairo, Ankara. Hamas, predictably, will reject it, assured in its belief that more concessions from Israel are just over the horizon. Despite the predictability of these steps, Secretary Blinken has time and again insisted that Israel is onboard with the terms of the latest deal, calling on Hamas to accept them too.
Yet, the negotiations always seem to circle back to where they started. Mr. Sinwar responds with a no, and the cycle renews. So where does that leave President Biden — or even Vice President Harris for that matter? Their consistent prodding of Netanyahu whilst harboring thoughts of upping stakes positions them in questionable light.
On top of this all, it’s reported that the Vice President and her National Security Advisor, Philip Gordon, are planning a ‘new direction’ in America’s relations with the Jewish state. If Ms. Harris were to win the future election, she’d be open to imposing conditions on aid provided to Israel, states the Washington Post. This type of posturing can only breed uncertainty and instability.
As it stands, blame is being muddled. Many in America and Israel tend to hold Netanyahu responsible for the gruesome fate of the six hostages. There’s also an insidious theory amongst the most cynical Americans; on the basis of little evidence they postulate that Netanyahu collaborated with former President Trump to delay any potential deal until after the November elections.
For clarity’s sake, if blame is to be placed, it should rest squarely on the shoulders of Hamas and its Iranian supporters. Their actions have single-handedly ignited the volatile flames in the Mideast. The Biden-Harris White House attempts to lend a helping hand, but whether their awkwardly-outstretched help is adequate is doubtful.
Funny enough, when asked if they are providing enough help to resolve the crisis, even Mr. Biden had to agree with the sentiment of skepticism, acknowledging with a straightforward ‘No.’ Yet, one cannot help but question whether they are investing this aid in the right places and applying diplomatic pressure to the correct parties.