The Biden administration has expressed firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank, amid ongoing tensions in the region.
A senior White House official confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the US is actively engaging with Israeli officials to understand their objectives behind recent military operations in the West Bank.
Washington’s stance emphasizes its commitment to preventing the forced removal of Palestinian communities.
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, reiterated the administration’s position, acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, including counterterrorism efforts in the West Bank.
However, Miller emphasized the U.S. concerns about maintaining stability in the region and urged Israel to take all possible measures to protect civilian lives in the West Bank, just as it is encouraged to do in Gaza.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the Israeli operations in the West Bank, calling for an end to the attacks.
Similarly, Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, criticized the assaults and hinted at the possibility of imposing sanctions on certain Israeli ministers if the violence continues.
The West Bank, a central region in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has long been a flashpoint of tension.
Israeli military operations in the area have often been justified by the Israeli government as necessary for security and counterterrorism.
However, such actions frequently draw international criticism, particularly regarding their impact on Palestinian civilians.
The Biden administration’s position reflects a broader US policy of balancing support for Israel’s security with concerns for human rights and stability in the region. This approach aligns with ongoing US diplomatic efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote peace talks.
The United Nations and the European Union have consistently called for restraint and a resolution to the conflict that ensures the rights and security of all parties involved.