US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a warning on Thursday, indicating that the Biden administration is prepared to alter its policy toward Israel if urgent action is not taken to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Blinken’s statement came in response to the recent “horrific attack” on aid workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza, emphasizing that such incidents cannot continue.
President Joe Biden echoed Blinken’s sentiments during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying a threat to condition support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza on tangible steps to protect aid workers and civilians. This marks a significant departure from previous stances, as Biden has historically been a staunch supporter of Israel.
The call between Biden and Netanyahu followed renewed calls from Democrats to reconsider US aid to Israel in light of the attack on aid workers. While Israel has claimed the incident was a mistake, Biden emphasized the need for Israel to take concrete measures to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.
The White House issued a statement detailing the key points of the call, emphasizing that US policy toward Gaza will be contingent upon Israel’s immediate action in addressing these concerns. This move signifies a potential shift in US-Israel relations, as the Biden administration seeks to leverage its aid to influence Israeli military behavior.
Washington’s role as Israel’s top weapons supplier adds weight to Biden’s warning, with the administration hoping to see announcements of Israeli steps in the coming hours and days. While specific changes in policy were not elaborated upon, White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action.
By signaling a possible shift in US policy toward Gaza, Biden reflects both his own frustration and pressure from the Democratic Party’s left-leaning base to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The outcome of this warning could potentially reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, underscoring the Biden administration’s commitment to prioritizing humanitarian concerns in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
