Today, Explained

Biden goes to Israel

Oct 18, 2023
Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and former Middle East advisor, teams up with Michael Waheed Hanna, an expert on Middle East politics at the International Crisis Group. They dive into Biden's recent trip to Israel, unpacking the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the intricate U.S.-Israeli relationship. The duo discusses the implications of Biden's absence in regional diplomacy and the challenges posed by rising tensions, all while offering insights into the future of peace in the Middle East.
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INSIGHT

Biden's Objectives in Israel

  • President Biden has three objectives in Israel: support Israelis, establish humanitarian aid, and discuss the ground campaign.
  • The Arab summit postponement complicates aid discussions and creates an Israel-only trip optic.
INSIGHT

Ground Campaign Uncertainty

  • Biden will question Israel's ground campaign objectives and implications, given his added emphasis on proportionality and avoiding reoccupation.
  • The visit may delay or alter the campaign's scale due to weather, Israeli indecision, and Biden's presence.
INSIGHT

Importance of Arab State Participation

  • The cancellation of Biden's meetings with Palestinian and Arab leaders is significant because the Palestinian Authority remains a key partner.
  • Arab state participation and U.S. contact with these partners are crucial for future involvement.
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