Is Biden's Unconditional Support Of Israel Nearing Its Limit?
Dec 4, 2023
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Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for the New York Times, discusses how President Biden's history with Israel is shaping current U.S. policy. The podcast explores the breakdown of the Israel-Hamas truce, the challenge of civilian casualties, the toll of Israeli attacks, challenges in building Arab-Israeli relations, and the limits of Biden's support for Israel.
The escalating civilian toll in the Israel-Palestine conflict challenges the US' unconditional support for Israel.
Shifting domestic politics and public opinion may influence future US policy towards Israel.
Deep dives
Collapsing truce and relentless bombing in Gaza
The temporary truce between Israel and Hamas has collapsed, resulting in relentless bombing in southern Gaza. Health officials report numerous Palestinian casualties, including deaths and injuries, as the fighting resumed. Concerns grow over the impact of intense attacks on Gaza's children, with UNICEF spokesperson James Elder describing the horrors they face.
Challenges for the US in maintaining support for Israel
The escalating civilian toll in the ongoing conflict poses a challenge for the US to maintain its unconditional support for Israel. While some blame Israel for the high casualty count, supporters of US policy argue that Hamas's actions are to blame. The Biden administration, while emphasizing Israel's right to defend itself, has also called on Israel to avoid civilian deaths, citing it as a moral responsibility and strategic imperative.
US investment, domestic politics, and the limits of support
The US has a longstanding investment in Israel, with President Biden maintaining unconditional support for the country. However, domestic politics and shifting public opinion, particularly among younger and Arab American voters, may impact US policy in the future. While Biden has shown little concern for such concerns, there are signs that the administration's firm support for Israeli military action may have limits. The conflict between Israel and Palestine raises questions about US goals, values, and the potential for a two-state solution.
Israel has stepped up military operations in Gaza after the temporary ceasefire ended last week. Gaza health officials say several hundred Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more have been wounded since the fighting resumed, complicating how the U.S. maintains its alignment with Israel.
NPR's Fatma Tanis speaks with analysts who say that U.S. support for Israel is undermining American interests and NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for the New York Times, about how President Biden's history with Israel is shaping current U.S. policy.