Theoretically, America supports Israel in the Hamas War. That is based on a belief that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and is our nation’s strongest ally in that region. Their security is a key element in American security.
Support for Israel is also based on the fact that Hamas is an officially recognized terrorist group that has been oppressing the Palestinian people since their rise to power in Gaza in 2006 — and has been undertaking a continuing round of unprovoked attacks on the Jewish State. Hamas’ mantra is “death to Israel, death to the United States.”
The bond between the United States and Israel was evident following Hamas’ heinous attack on innocent civilians on October 7th. President Biden made one of the most unequivocable speeches of his career in support of Israel’s declaration of war against Hamas. Unlike his too little/too late policy in the Ukraine War, Biden ordered the shipment of any and all weapons and ammunition needed by Israel. He underscored America’s support of Israel with a swift visit to Tel Aviv where he literally and figuratively embraced Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu – the hug seen around the world.
The Israeli/American narrative was that the war was both necessary and justified. In view of the horror and brutality of the attack on Israel, the policy of tit-for-tat was no longer viable. That meant Hamas has to be taken out.
It was also understood that this would be a war with an inordinate number of civilian casualties for the simple reason that Hamas cowardly uses Palestinian civilians as shields. It places its military sites at the most crowded civilian locations – schools, hospitals, mosques. That is a war crime. Attacking such sites when enemy combatants use them as shields is NOT a war crime by international standards.
Counter to that pro-Israeli narrative, Hamas advanced the narrative that the high death toll was humanitarian crisis and evidence of war crimes – and Israel is the villain. And the only way to prevent civilian deaths was for Israel to enter into a cease fire. In other words, end the war and leave Hamas in place to continue their genocidal ambitions against Israel and Jews.
On the other hand, the war would also end if Hamas would release the hostages (a war crime) and surrender. That is the most appropriate way to stop the loss of life and property. Somehow that option does not enter into the public dialogue.
Biden gave Netanyahu America’s unalterable commitment of support. That was until it was altered.
Most recently, Biden has embraced and promoted the Hamas narrative of excessive civilian deaths. Deaths that Hamas was causing by putting civilians in the line-of-fire. Their tactic was beneficial in two ways. It complicated Israel’s ability to attack Hamas’ military and leaders – and the death toll that Hamas caused was used as a propaganda campaign against Israel.
But why the change in U.S. policy?
Biden’s support for Israel garnered a political backlash for those on the far left of his governing coalition – especially Arab Americans. Polls showed that he was losing votes in critical battleground states – such as Michigan, which has a large Arab population. That pushed Biden back to his habit of weaseling.
Biden started issuing warnings to Israel to be careful and to minimize civilian casualties. That advanced to outright criticism. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken accused Israel of killing “too many civilians.” The White House was leaking reports that the Biden/Netanyahu bromance was over.
Biden’s problem was bigger than Arab voters, the accusations of war crimes and the focus on the “humanitarian crisis” caused by Hamas tapped into latent antisemitisms. Those on the political left in the United States and around the world were quick to unleash their historic hatred of Jews.
The leftwing media in America became the propaganda voices for the Hamas narrative. Reports and special coverage myopically focused on the “humanitarian crisis” with little to no explanation as to why the war was declared and why there are so many civilian casualties.
As might be expected, MSNBC became the leader of proffering the Hamas propaganda perspective. Virtually every program in the daily lineup focuses on the civilian issue with calls for Israel to simply cease the war. CNN was not far behind. As could be expected, the Manhattan media silo was coming down on the side of Hamas – with only a casual or off-hand reference to the barbaric attack on Israel.
Make no mistake about it, wars have tragic humanitarian impacts – especially on civilians. But the critical consideration is WHO is responsible for the war – and therefore the resulting humanitarian tragedy. Just as we must hold Russian President Putin solely responsible for the human tragedies of his war on Ukraine.
Biden’s flip-flop on the Hamas War raises a legitimate question. Which side is America officially on? And which side are the majority of the American people on?
Many analysts and pundits say that the anti-Israel Hamas’ propaganda narrative is winning in American and in other nations. That seems to be the case. Unfortunately, that fact has been greatly reinforced by Biden’s embracing the Hamas propaganda strategy.
As it appears now, Biden is not playing a positive role in ending the Hamas War. He has also put himself in a no-win position. In sounding an uncertain trumpet, no one will heed. He appears to be losing both Arab and Jewish voters. More importantly, he is failing to address the larger problem of international terrorism. Biden is again demonstrating dangerous weakness in the face of enemies.
So, there ‘tis.