Biden faces pressure to act as the Israeli-Hamas conflict escalates
By: Oliver Straight Nissen
Since Israel’s formation at the end of World War II, conflict between Israel and Palestine has remained. Recently, however, tensions in the Middle East have grown once again. Despite being one of Israel’s closest allies, the United States has remained mostly idle in supporting the country due to voter pressure. However, a recent drone attack that killed U.S. servicemen has left Biden no other option but to respond to the conflict in Israel.
The Israel-Palestine conflict began on October 7, 2024 with the terrorist group Hamas invading the Israel border. Israel immediately responded by deploying soldiers and missiles to control the invasion, and the United States declared its backing for Israel by sending weapons and naval support. Yet, the conflict has become controversial in the U.S. after Israeli airstrikes killed innocent Palestinians, which has complicated America’s ability to engage in the war.
President Biden has been reluctant to support Israel more than necessary due to the pressures of the American people. Some Americans are firmly opposed to Israel’s air-striking of Palestine, which many have labeled excessive and unnecessary. Furthermore, a study conducted by the New York Times showed that 57% of respondents disapproved of Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including almost 75% of young Democrats, a significant portion of Biden’s support. This circumstance is problematic for President Biden because much of his supporter base opposes Israel, leaving Biden with two options: leave Israel to fight for itself and risk future alliances with them, or assist Israel in fighting Hamas and suffer a major loss in election support. Biden has attempted to cut his losses and regain some of his support through ongoing campaigns, but his political position remains hurt.
Nevertheless, recent events affecting the US directly might mean that Biden has no choice but to engage in the Middle East. A drone strike occurring in Jordan on January 28, 2024, killed three American troops and outraged politicians. Biden has pledged to attack Iran, the suspected culprit of the attack, either peacefully or with force. Republicans have also called to retaliate against Iran, with politicians like Senator John Cornyn proposing to “target Tehran,” Iran’s capital. In the short term, this situation benefits Biden because it gives him space to justify his actions in the Middle East. However, it is not beneficial in the long run, since Biden must lower tensions with Iran to avoid further conflict in the Middle East. Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hurt his political standing and chances at re-election, because Democrats will have to weigh the choices of voting for Biden, who they don’t feel represents their views anymore, or not at all, leaving the presidency for the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump. However, is there really a course of action for Biden that appeases people with so much controversy around this conflict? It seems he has done his best to balance his voter support and the support for Israel.
President Biden taking a moment of silence for the three soldiers killed in a drone strike (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/nation-world/story/2024-01-28/biden-three-americans-killed-many-wounded-in-drone-attack-by-iran-backed-militia-in-jordan)
