In this discussion, Christopher Lord, the U.S. editor for Monocle, joins Middle Eastern analysts Julie Norman and Yossi Mekelberg, along with former negotiator Aaron David Miller. They analyze the shifting U.S.-Israel relationship amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and how a change in Democratic leadership could affect foreign policy. The conversation touches on the Democratic National Convention's stance on Israel and Palestine, the impact of domestic protests on U.S. policy, and the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.
Kamala Harris emphasizes unwavering support for Israel while acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reflecting the Democratic Party's complex internal dynamics.
Joe Biden's evolving stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict highlights the challenge of balancing U.S. support for Israel with growing domestic pressure for Palestinian rights.
Deep dives
Carmilla Harris and Foreign Policy Focus
Vice President Kamala Harris's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention highlighted Israel's conflict with Hamas as the primary foreign crisis deserving attention. She affirmed unwavering support for Israel, rejecting calls for an arms embargo even amidst calls for a ceasefire from some delegates. Despite affirming Israel's right to defend itself, Harris acknowledged the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, mentioning the significant suffering experienced by its population. This dual messaging reflects a balancing act as she navigates party dynamics and the complex sentiment surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue within the Democratic Party.
Biden's Evolving Stance and Challenges
President Joe Biden's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict has evolved, marked by a nuanced response following the October 7 attacks. His cautionary advice to Israel, warning against letting rage dictate actions, indicated a recognition of past mistakes made by the U.S. in similar situations. However, the Israeli administration, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, reportedly failed to heed this advice, which has affected Biden's approval ratings and raised concerns about electoral repercussions. This ongoing conflict has forced Biden to balance long-standing U.S. support for Israel with increasing pressure from domestic constituents advocating for Palestinian rights.
The Complexity of U.S. Influence
The complexities of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine situation reveal that it must engage multiple regional actors for successful diplomacy. The U.S. has attempted to navigate relationships with local stakeholders such as Qatar and Egypt to facilitate dialogue and ceasefire negotiations. There’s widespread recognition that U.S. actions cannot solely dictate outcomes; a collaborative approach among regional powers is necessary. Additionally, the U.S. must be cautious about its image and manipulation in the region, as these dynamics complicate the potential for achieving meaningful resolutions.
Electoral Implications for U.S. Policy
As the upcoming presidential election approaches, the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a critical issue within the Democratic Party, potentially impacting voter sentiment. Concerns over how to maintain support from both Palestinian sympathizers and more traditional pro-Israel constituents fuel ongoing debates about party unity and strategy. The challenge lies in aligning the party’s rhetoric with substantive policy changes that address the humanitarian crises while respecting historical alliances. Ultimately, how candidates navigate this issue may shape their appeal in swing states with diverse populations leading up to the election.
We explore how the US-Israel relationship has shifted over 10 months of war in Gaza and a change at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket. How might Kamala Harris approach the crisis differently than Joe Biden – and does the US still have any leverage to secure a long-term peace deal in the Middle East? Andrew Mueller speaks with Monocle’s US editor, Christopher Lord, analysts Julie Norman and Yossi Mekelberg, and former negotiator Aaron David Miller.