President Joe Biden’s attempts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have been hindered by recent events. The fallout from an Israeli special forces rescue mission in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of scores of Palestinian civilians, along with the resignation of centrist Benny Gantz from Israel’s war cabinet has intensified political and diplomatic challenges. The return of four hostages was a moment of joy for Israelis but also underscored the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The disparity in the death toll between Palestinians and Israelis has exacerbated international tensions and alienated key Arab states involved in diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, the resignation of Gantz is not likely to immediately bring down Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but it could make him more reliant on hard-right members of his coalition who may push for a more aggressive prosecution of the war. The absence of Gantz may also complicate the approval of any peace deal between Israel and Hamas. The fracturing of the war cabinet and rising protests against Netanyahu could have unpredictable consequences in Israel. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, and the involvement of the US in diplomatic efforts emphasizes the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict.
Biden’s complex political and diplomatic conundrum was exemplified by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who emphasized the US’s calls for a ceasefire despite doubts about Hamas agreeing to one. The administration’s failure to achieve a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts raises questions about US leverage and Biden’s standing on the world stage. The president is facing pressure from both progressives in his coalition who are critical of his support for Israel and Republicans who are looking to exploit the situation for political gain. Biden’s handling of the conflict will be closely watched in the lead-up to the upcoming election.
The Israeli operation to free hostages held by Hamas resulted in a significant number of casualties, with conflicting reports on the exact number from different sources. Gantz’s departure from the government highlighted the domestic political challenges facing Netanyahu, who has prioritized personal political considerations over post-war strategies for Gaza. Biden’s proposed peace plan, endorsed by G7 leaders, aims to bring an immediate ceasefire and more humanitarian relief to Gaza, but Netanyahu remains committed to defeating Hamas. The ongoing conflict poses a significant challenge for both leaders as it continues to escalate.
Biden has argued that Israel’s actions have significantly weakened Hamas, but the group remains defiant and unlikely to relinquish power in Gaza. The involvement of other Arab governments and the Palestinian Authority may be necessary to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While Biden has indicated a willingness to partner with Israel, the situation remains complex and protracted. The potential for a long, drawn-out conflict in Gaza looms large, with no clear resolution in sight. The challenges facing Biden and Netanyahu in addressing the conflict underscore the difficult path to achieving lasting peace in the region.
