What's the US role in the Israel-Hamas war? Views from Sen. Chris Murphy & Rep. Mike Waltz
Oct 21, 2023
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US Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Mike Waltz discuss the US role in the Israel-Hamas war, including the complexities of President Biden's visit to Israel, the consequences for Egypt, national security implications, diplomatic challenges, and the role of Republicans in the House.
President Biden emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach and the importance of considering the long-term repercussions of a full-scale invasion and occupation of Gaza.
The US should balance its support for Israel with the need to address the humanitarian concerns in the region and hold Egypt accountable for keeping the Rafah border crossing closed.
Deep dives
President Biden's Trip to Israel - Standing with Israel and Discussing Potential Consequences of Invasion and Occupation
President Biden's trip to Israel was important to show solidarity with America's closest ally in the Middle East and convey support in this time of need. The visit provided an opportunity for President Biden to discuss with Prime Minister Netanyahu the potential benefits and consequences of a full-scale invasion and occupation of Gaza. President Biden emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach and the importance of considering the long-term repercussions of such actions. The focus was not just on the decision to invade but also on what happens after day two, including the question of Gaza's future and who would control it. The discussions aimed to prevent a humanitarian crisis and find a balance between supporting Israel's right to defend itself and mitigating its impact on the people of Gaza.
The Role of the US and the Pressure on Israel in the Conflict
While the US is a strong ally of Israel and provides support, including military backup, it is unlikely that there will be direct US combat troops on the ground. However, the US can leverage its position to ensure that Israel adheres to the rules of war and provides guidance on the potential consequences of invasion and occupation. The focus should be on preventing a void in Gaza after the military operation and considering the future control of the region. The US should also hold Egypt accountable for keeping the Rafah border crossing closed, leading to a worsening humanitarian situation. The billion dollars of aid given to Egypt should come with the condition that they open the border and alleviate the crisis in Gaza. It is crucial for the US to balance its support for Israel with the need to address the humanitarian concerns in the region.
The International Response and the Importance of Accurate Attribution
The international response to the conflict has varied, with some countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, initially condemning Israel for its actions. There were also instances of media outlets prematurely blaming Israel for the strikes. It is important to give Israel the benefit of the doubt as a democratic ally, especially when terrorist organizations like Hamas are involved. However, the evidence from President Biden's intel briefing confirmed that Israel was not responsible for certain attacks. This highlights the need for accurate attribution and not jumping to conclusions. It also raises concerns about the potential impact on regional partnerships, such as the hope for improved relations between Sunni Arab states and Israel. The international community should rely on verified information before making statements that could affect diplomatic alliances and partnerships.
Two weeks into Israel's bloody war with Hamas, the death toll continues to mount, and amidst the rubble of bombed-out buildings, one thing seems clear: things are far from over. On the GZERO World podcast, Ian Bremmer asks what role the US government should play in the conflict, and whether that role is as clear-cut today as it was after the attack on October 7. President Biden made a politically and personally dangerous trip to Israel this week, showing solidarity for America’s closest ally in the Middle East. But the administration must walk a fine line between supporting Israel’s right to defend itself and preventing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from spiraling out of control. To get the view from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, Ian speaks first with Senator Chris Murphy, the Connecticut Democrat who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, and then with Republican Representative Mike Waltz of Florida, a member of the House Foreign Affairs committee. It's a particularly timely moment to be on Capitol Hill, as House Republicans remain paralyzed over their inability to pick a Speaker. Senator Murphy and Congressman Waltz both comment on what toll that dysfunction is taking on US national security.
