Yasmeen Abutaleb, a journalist covering the Biden administration's bond with Israel, discusses the growing dissent over Biden's Israel policy. The podcast delves into the reasons behind the resignations of officials and the demands for a ceasefire. It also explores Biden's steadfast support for Israel, his complicated relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and whether he may change his approach.
Resignations of officials due to dissatisfaction with the US government's approach to the war in Gaza.
Growing dissent within the administration and Congress over US policy towards Israel, with calls for conditioning aid on compliance with international humanitarian law.
Deep dives
Dissatisfaction with US Policy on Israel
The podcast episode discusses the dissatisfaction and resignations of government officials over the US government's approach towards the war in Gaza. Josh Paul, a former State Department official, talks about his resignation due to the rapid approval of arms transfers to Israel without sufficient consideration of the potential harm caused. Tara Kabash, a former policy advisor in the Department of Education, also resigned over disappointment with the administration's lack of response to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Breakdown of the US-Israel Relationship
The episode highlights the complicated relationship between the US and Israel, particularly the close ties between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Biden has been historically supportive of Israel, dissent within the administration and Congress is growing, with many officials calling for a shift in US policy and conditioning aid to Israel on compliance with international humanitarian law.
Rhetoric vs Action
The podcast explores the rhetorical shift by President Biden in his public criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, describing it as 'over the top.' However, there are questions about whether this rhetoric will be followed by substantial action or changes in policy. While there have been attempts to push back against US support for Israel in Congress, measures such as conditioning aid have not gained significant traction.
Efforts for Ceasefire and Negotiations
The episode mentions current efforts by US officials to secure a deal for a long-term pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, which would also involve the release of hostages and the surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, challenges remain as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from a right-wing government not to agree to a ceasefire or release Palestinian prisoners.
President Biden’s defense of Israel amid the war in Gaza has roiled his administration. Today on “Post Reports,” we hear from officials who resigned over Biden’s policies. The Post’s Yasmeen Abutaleb also explains Biden’s bond with Israel.
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Since the war in Gaza began, the Biden administration has been outspoken in its support of Israel. But as the Israel-Gaza war enters its fifth month and the number of dead in Gaza rises over 28,000, there have been growing calls inside both Congress and the Biden administration for the president to change course.
Congressional staffers have staged walkouts and signed letters demanding a ceasefire. Dissent cables have been leaked. Andtwo officials–Josh Paul and Tariq Habash – have resigned publicly over the Biden administration’s handling of the war in Gaza. Today, they join “‘Post Reports” to explain why they left.
Also, White House reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb breaks down why Biden has been so steadfast in his public support for Israel in spite of growing dissent. She unpacks Biden’s complicated relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and whether Biden may change his approach.
Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan and edited by Monica Campbell. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Thanks to Rennie Svirnovskiy and Arjun Singh.