FTA: How Do You Reverse Engineer an Israeli-Palestinian Peace Settlement?
Oct 26, 2024
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Rosa Brooks, a Georgetown Law professor specializing in national security, joins Kori Schake, a Stanford research fellow, and Ed Luce, a Financial Times columnist, to dive deep into the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They discuss the feasibility of a lasting peace amid rising dissent in the U.S. over military aid to Israel. The trio critiques the Biden administration's policies and their impact on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while reflecting on historical approaches to the peace process and the need for new leadership on both sides.
Biden's historical ties to Israel complicate his navigation of increasing public pressures for accountability in military aid amidst shifting sentiments on civilian casualties.
The urgent need for legitimate Palestinian leadership highlights challenges in governance within Gaza, requiring both internal reforms and Israeli engagement to address geopolitical realities.
Deep dives
Biden's Complicated Relationship with Israel
President Biden faces significant challenges regarding U.S. support for Israel, particularly as public sentiment shifts among younger voters dissatisfied with civilian tolls during the conflict. Despite polls showing support from the majority of Democrats, there's growing pressure for the administration to impose conditions on military aid, which typically aligns with international humanitarian law. This complexity is exacerbated by internal divisions within the White House, reflecting a lack of consensus on how to effectively address the situation. Biden's historical close ties to Israel complicate his ability to navigate the current landscape, where he is seen as both politically bound and confronted by calls for greater accountability.
Aid and Conditionality: A Matter of Debate
The discussion surrounding U.S. aid to Israel highlights differing perspectives on the necessity of imposing conditions on military support. Some argue that applying conditions is essential for ensuring that American taxpayers' contributions do not exacerbate civilian casualties, particularly in light of a reported high number of Palestinian deaths. Critics believe that the absence of conditions sends a troubling message about U.S. complicity in the conflict, making it a contentious issue both domestically and internationally. The debate illustrates the broader concern regarding the U.S.'s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amidst increasing global scrutiny.
Navigating Future Governance in Gaza
The path to governance in Gaza remains unclear, with the need for a legitimate Palestinian political entity becoming increasingly urgent. Observers suggest cultivating new leadership for the Palestinian Authority is crucial, yet existing leadership challenges complicate this endeavor. Furthermore, any transition is likely to require Israeli engagement, which is hindered by current political dynamics and public sentiment in Israel. This complicated reality underscores a generational struggle for reconstructing governance that acknowledges both the aspirations of the Palestinian people and the geopolitical context.
As the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas nears its end, we’re left to wonder what a more permanent peace looks like. Rosa Brooks, Kori Schake, and Ed Luce join David Rothkopf to examine the possibility of peace and to break down the Biden Administration’s role in the conflict and whether the public perception of the war as a US/Israel joint venture is fair.